{
  "id": 2097202,
  "title": "Please respect the haka, asks Bok boss Rassie",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/please-respect-the-haka-asks-bok-boss-rassie",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T08:13:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/please-respect-the-haka-asks-bok-boss-rassie/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has politely requested rugby supporters to show respect for the haka, the pre-game ritual performed by the All Blacks. The teams will face off in the first of four Tests this weekend, a matchup known as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. South African fans have previously responded to the haka with chants of \"olé, olé, olé,\" which drowns out the powerful call to battle. Erasmus emphasized the importance of creating an atmosphere like the one witnessed in Cape Town, where the haka was fully heard, making it a truly special moment. Such respect was also evident at Kings Park and Loftus Versfeld during recent matches against the Sharks and Bulls. In Durban, Ma'a Nonu, a current Sharks player, performed a solo haka in response to the All Blacks' performance. The haka has a rich history, with the New Zealand Native team first presenting a version during their 1888-1889 tour of Britain and Australia. The All Blacks officially adopted the Ka Mate haka in 1905 when they toured the British Isles, and it has become a staple of their pre-game ritual.",
  "summary": "The South African and New Zealand rugby teams clash in four Tests in the coming weeks.",
  "key_points": [
    "Rassie Erasmus asks rugby fans to respect the haka.",
    "South African fans previously drowned out the haka with chants.",
    "Ma Nonu performed solo haka in Durban, showing respect."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Rassie Erasmus's request for respect for the haka marks a shift in tone from South African fans, who have previously countered with chants, to a more reverent approach.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}