44-year-old legendary inside centre Ma’a Nonu’s solo haka against the All Blacks remains one for the history books. The first of its kind, an All Blacks legend stood firm doing a solo haka for the Sharks as they faced New Zealand during the South Africa tour.
Ma’a has played over a hundred games for the All Blacks, and he did a lot of haka defending his nation. Over the years, he grew into a fan favourite, playing alongside legends like Tana Umaga. However, he has since joined the Sharks and had to do a solo haka against the team that made him one of the legends in the game.
THE REASONS WHY MA’A NONU’S SOLO HAKA AGAINST THE ALL BLACKS IS ONE FOR THE BOOKS
1. It was Nonu facing his own legacy
The 44-year-old Nonu was playing for the Sharks against the All Blacks, the team he represented for more than a decade. He won the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups with New Zealand and earned 103 Test caps.
2. He answered the All Blacks’ haka alone
New Zealand performed Ka Mate before the match. Nonu then stepped forward and performed Kapa o Pango on his own. That made the moment extraordinary because Kapa o Pango is the haka specifically associated with the All Blacks.
3. Kapa o Pango makes the moment even more powerful
Kapa o Pango was created specifically for the All Blacks and has been used since 2005. Nonu was part of the generation that performed it during his international career.
4. It was about respect rather than attention
Interestingly, post-match discussion indicated that Nonu initially didn’t want to respond because he didn’t want the moment to become about himself. He eventually decided it was appropriate after discussions with people connected to the All Blacks.
5. The timing was almost perfect
The match itself ended in a huge 54–0 All Blacks victory, but Nonu’s haka arguably became the lasting image from the occasion. Reuters also highlighted his late appearance at 44 as one of the match’s memorable moments.
EVEN SOUTH AFRICAN FANS GOT EMOTIONAL
As Ma’a Nonu performed the All Blacks’ haka, even Springboks fans got emotional. It became a moment that united the whole rugby family across the borders.
@Jacques Mostert “I’m South African, and it brought tears to my eyes. Absolute class, fkn love this game,”
@Coach V – Rocketfoot Academy “As a South African, I’ve been in the closet about this, but my all-time favourite player has always been @maanonu”
@Penson Mlotshwa “As a Sharks & All Blacks fan… this was such a special moment 🥹”
@Taito Kathy Timoteo “Don’t know about anyone else, but that was exactly me when I watched it. I bawled 🥹🔥🙏🏽”