There's renewed debate about the haka's purpose after Joe Marler suggested it should be banned.

The English prop labelled it 'ridiculous' in a post on social media ahead of this week's rugby test at Twickenham.

Former All Blacks head coach Laurie Mains says the haka is a long-standing rugby tradition within the team - and Marler wouldn't understand its significance. 

"Who would want to take any offence at what Joe Marler says? After all, he's a front-row prop and he wouldn't have a clue where the haka stands in New Zealand rugby."

LISTEN ABOVE

There's renewed debate about the haka's purpose after Joe Marler suggested it should be banned.
The English prop labelled it 'ridiculous' in a post on social media ahead of this week's rugby test at Twickenham.
Former All Blacks head coach Laurie Mains says the haka is a long-standing rugby tradition within the team - and Marler wouldn't understand its significance.&nbsp;
"Who would want to take any offence at what Joe Marler says? After all, he's a front-row prop and he wouldn't have a clue where the haka stands in New Zealand rugby."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Laurie Mains: Former All Blacks head coach on Joe Marler's calls for the All Blacks to bin the haka

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ded4b648-ebf7-4b2f-89fe-b219005d6460/transcript

Belgium have banished the United States from their home Football World Cup after a crushing 4-1 win in round-of-16 action in Seattle.

The eighth ranked side in the world were in command from the outset, taking the lead in the ninth minute.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped the action further.

LISTEN ABOVE

Belgium have banished the United States from their home Football World Cup after a crushing 4-1 win in round-of-16 action in Seattle.
The eighth ranked side in the world were in command from the outset, taking the lead in the ninth minute.
Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped the action further.
LISTEN ABOVE

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Belgium beating out the United States in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b9644e41-7fcc-4bbc-a502-b480005669b7/transcript

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will spend just one day in Auckland as he tours the South Pacific, but one planned event has sparked controversy.

A Kia Ora Modi event is planned for that night at Spark Arena, organised by the Indian High Commission - with 12,000 people expected to attend.

Massey University professor and researcher Mohan Dutta has raised concerns that the rally will be a 'Hindu nationalist event' and some key dog-whistles have been identified.

"It is, I would say, a mix of some ceremonial components - and then particular kinds of messaging around the arrival of India on the global stage as a Hindu nation that specifically speaks to this audience base."

LISTEN ABOVE

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will spend just one day in Auckland as he tours the South Pacific, but one planned event has sparked controversy.
A Kia Ora Modi event is planned for that night at Spark Arena, organised by the Indian High Commission - with 12,000 people expected to attend.
Massey University professor and researcher Mohan Dutta has raised concerns that the rally will be a 'Hindu nationalist event' and some key dog-whistles have been identified.
"It is, I would say, a mix of some ceremonial components - and then particular kinds of messaging around the arrival of India on the global stage as a Hindu nation that specifically speaks to this audience base."
LISTEN ABOVE

Mohan Dutta: Massey University professor and Hindutva researcher speaks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/32c62641-1b4b-4573-b6da-b480005407f1/transcript

Later this week, a court verdict will be determine whether nationalist frontrunner Marine Le Pen can stand in next year's presidential election. 

Recent opinion polls indicate the leader of the National Rally is well-positioned to become France's next head of state.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says if the appeal follows the original verdict, Le Pen will be declared ineligible for public office.

LISTEN ABOVE

Later this week, a court verdict will be determine whether nationalist frontrunner Marine Le Pen can stand in next year's presidential election.&nbsp;
Recent opinion polls indicate the leader of the National Rally is well-positioned to become France's next head of state.
UK correspondent Gavin Grey says if the appeal follows the original verdict, Le Pen will be declared ineligible for public office.
LISTEN ABOVE

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the upcoming court ruling on Marine Le Pen

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/80cfbe54-f10b-4c71-bfb2-b47f008576c2/transcript

Laurie Mains: Former All Blacks head coach on Joe Marler's calls for the All Blacks to bin the haka

In 1 playlist(s)

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips