Right back at you, All Blacks

Before Munster’s clash with the All Blacks last night, the Irish side’s quartet of Kiwis performed their own haka. To watch the New Zealand XV stand there, respectfully, and watch their own war dance acted out before them was truly a memorable moment in modern rugby union.

Munster’s mini haka was led by Rua Tipoki, with support from team-mates Lifeimi Mafi, Doug Howlett and Jeremy Manning. The All Blacks replied with their own, full-size haka.

Watch a video of Munster’s haka below:

Brilliant.

For the record, Munster played brilliantly and with passion, and damn near beat the All Blacks (final score: 16-18) - so maybe there is something in the psycholgoical benefits of the haka. When England play NZ at Twickenham in a couple of weeks’ time, perhaps Martin Johnson should organise a particularly aggressive Morris dance.