TJ Perenara's infamous haka that divided the nation also ended up dividing the team, according to new reports.

The speech in te reo before the test against Italy in Turin came after the march to Parliament to protest the Treaty Principles bill.

The Herald reports many within the All Blacks felt blindsided, with a limited number made aware of the halfback's intentions hours before kick-off.

NZ Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul says Perenara originally set out to provide a message of unity, but few knew what that would actually entail.

"It should have been brought up earlier in the week at a leaders' meeting, it should have been put in front of the whole team to form a viewpoint."

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