The All Blacks Sevens will be debuting a new haka at the Rio Olympics in two weeks.
The haka, written by reo exponent Scotty Morrison, was commissioned by NZ Rugby last week after players in the side voiced a need to take their own respective haka to the Olympic Games.
The Olympics are drawing near for the All Blacks Sevens. They have a brand new haka to learn.
“I was lucky that Coach Sir Gordon (Tietjens) approached our family to compose a haka,” says Morrison.
Morrison finalised the script today for the haka to be performed by the Sevens side.
“This haka is named "Tū - Te Toa o Te Riri", says Morrison, “We all know about Tūmatauenga, who is the inspiration for the haka.”
Morrison composed the words to the haka, while Anaru Grant from Rotorua-based kapa haka, Ngā Uri o Te Whanoa, will teach the actions.
The team has decided this will be their primary haka from now on.
“If they win at the Olympic Games, they will perform this haka to honour the victory and give thanks for the honour of receiving the gold medal,” says Morrison.
And the Sevens team isn't new to the culture.
“Māori culture has been a feature of the Sevens side some years, says Morrison, “Recently, it became apparent that they needed their own haka.”
The recently appointed member of Te Mātāwai says it's hoped that Māori culture will benefit the wider New Zealand Olympic delegation overseas.
“They get pounamu, karakia, korowai,” says Morrison, “Familiar aspects of Māori culture in the hope that these will inspire them to succeed.”
So may the force be with the All Blacks Sevens in their hunt for gold.