Rugby Disgrace

So France did want fans of sport have been asking for since the haka has been allowed before any sporting game featuring New Zealand.

A right of reply.

And what was the response from the IRB. To fine France 2,500 Pounds.  It was rumoured the fine would be as much as 10,000.  All this for simply for holding hands and walking to the half way line towards the kiwis.  Admittedly they went over the half way line but at no stage did they approach close enough for there to be a possible confrontation. Opposition teams are always to stand on the 10 metre mark and stand still showing respect.  The haka is also to be done behind the 10 metre line and not to encroach over that mark 

This is where the IRB is farcical in it's handling of the haka.  Everytime New Zealand perform the haka you can guarantee that at least one player crosses the 10 metre line.  If it is good enough to fine France then why is New Zealand never fined for breaking the guidelines doing the haka. Is New Zealand untouchable in rugby? Is everyone scared of upsetting this island nation?  Not me.  For too long have we listened to the whinging everytime something does not go there way.  Just mention cricket and the under arm incident still gets an ear battering for hours on end. 

Now that the IRB has fined France it is in their best interest to fine New Zealand everytime they encroach over the ten metre line.
 
As I have said before and I will say again, the haka is a ceremonial warcry, therefor opponents have the right to respond.  If they are not allowed to respond then New Zealand should be given a choice, perform the haka or play the national anthem not both.  Why should one team get twice as much time on the field before the game to lift their spirits and get the adrenalin pumping. 

Maybe the FUNZ response as mentioned in an earlier post could become the response performed by all opponents of New Zealand.  We have had a World Cup where everything was done to keep the New Zealanders happy and we will have to listen to their gloating for 4 years but that doesn't mean we should take it sitting down.  If they are as good as they say then they are big enough to handle it.