Freeley Speaking: Preparing for war

It's the Kiwi Super Bowl, and channels are cashing in. Photo / Mark Mitchell

As a young man growing up in England and watching the All Blacks I had not real idea of what the haka dance meant. I just associated it with the All Blacks and rather thought it was a dance to freak out the opposition. But on Friday I was certainly found out a little more about the haka and how it pays such a crucial role within New Zealand culture, both on and off the rugby pitch.

Our Haka education was found by accident as we stumbled into a impromptu "haka-off" in the Octagon in the centre of Dunedin. Hundreds of people crowded around the square for a glimpse of the completion. People of all ages took part, from young schoolkids to the old. A variety of cultures were represented including Pacific islanders, Maori and Europeans.

The performances were full of passion and I was surprised to learn there is more than one form of the haka. This came as a surprise as I presumed the only haka was the one performed by the All Blacks.

But the groups that preformed had different routines with unique chants and phrases. It was a real education.

More importantly I found it fascinating how this dance has a unique power to bind everyone in New Zealand, and not just those who were at the square for the competition. It's a source of national pride and when it's channeled through one fearsome, snarling war dance, it's nothing short of amazing.

The haka then took another turn as The All Blacks entered stage left for the opening game of the Rugby World Cup. We headed to the town hall to enjoy the match at the fanzone and we not disappointed with the atmosphere brewing in the theatre. Fans from England, Argentina - and of course, New Zealand - all watched on to see how the tournament favourites would fare.

As the formalities of the opening ceremony finished and game time approached, the atmosphere went up several notches. When Richie McCaw appeared on the screen, a high pitched scream erupted around the fanzone (presuming they were from the ladies in the audience) and the Beatlemaania-like cries were only beaten when images were broadcast of Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams.

The national anthems boomed out across the theatre. To my surprise everyone in the auditorium stood up in respect for both anthems. Something you would never expect to see in England.

The mighty haka from the All Blacks cranked up the atmosphere even more, pumping up and preparing the nation for 80 minutes of war. The match itself could be considered as a disappointing result as the All Blacks took the foot off the pedal as they went in at half time at 29-3.

In the second half New Zealand only crossed the whitewash twice compared to the four tries in the first half. With the game ending 41-10, that statistic in itself shows the pressure placed on the All Blacks from this nation. An impressive 31 point victory margin at full time, yet still they were slacking in the eyes of some of the fans.

So I learned about the haka and its unique place in modern New Zealand. The dance and how its unifying presence to prepare a nation for 80 minutes of war is unique. Come next Friday when the All Blacks face Japan in Hamilton it will happen all over again, I cannot wait.

Follow Mitch's Rugby World Cup adventures in New Zealand on Twitter: @NotSweetChariot