Rugby: Simultaneous hakas for World Cup opener

Piri Weepu performs the haka for the All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images

Not only will the All Blacks and Tonga battle it out on the rugby field when the World Cup kicks off at Eden Park on September 9 but the two teams will also go head-to-head with their haka.

World Cup boss Martin Snedden confirmed the two nations will perform their haka simultaneously, which will add spice to an already tasty encounter.

"The All Blacks will begin their haka and about 10 seconds later the Tongans will begin theirs,'' Snedden said. "It will be a unique spectacle for people at Eden Park and those watching on television all around the world.''