History of the New Zealand All Blacks Haka
The Haka is a Māori traditional dance performed immediately prior to New Zealand rugby national team (All Black) matches. Over the years, the All Blacks most commonly performed the haka "Ka Mate". In the early decades of international rugby, they sometimes performed other haka, some of which were composed for specific tours.
Since 2005, the All Blacks have occasionally performed a new haka, "Kapa o Pango". Watch the All Blacks perform the haka Nov 2008 before their test match against Ireland.
The haka has been apart of New Zealand rugby since the very first recorded overseas tour in 1884. Playing eight matches in New South Wales, Australia, the team performed "a Maori war cry" or haka before each of its matches.
In 1905, New Zealand made their first tour of Britain. This was the first time the team were referred to as the All Blacks and this particular team also became known as the 'Originals'. The All Blacks performed "Ka Mate" before their first test against Scotland and before the match against Wales. The Welsh team and crowd, in a show of sportsmanship, responded by singing the Welsh national anthem.
For more on the haha » en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haka