Made famous by their rugby teams, but adopted by other national squads, the Haka has become symbolic at international sporting events involving New Zealand.

However, the New Zealand squad taking part in the FIFA 2015 Women’s World Cup are unlikely to perform the traditional ancestral war dance during the tournament.

It’s not because they don’t want to do.

“We used to do it back in the day, but we don’t any more, we’re not allowed,” said New Zealand midfielder Betsy Hassett, following training on Monday. “It’s some FIFA rules we’re not allowed to do it any more.”

The Haka dance originated from the Maori people of New Zealand as a way to motivate themselves and intimidate opponents before battle.

The New Zealand rugby team, the All-Blacks, have been performing the dance prior to international matches dating back to 1905.

Last September, the New Zealand basketball team performed the dance at the world championships prior to their game against the United States to the bewilderment of some NBA stars on the American roster.

At the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Canada, New Zealand performed the dance for their fans after being eliminated from their tournament in Edmonton.

Unfortunately for New Zealand soccer fans in Edmonton, the Football Ferns are unlikely to perform the dance at Commonwealth Stadium.

“It is what it is, we would like to do it, but it’s fine,” Hassett said. “There is nothing wrong with not doing it.”

The last time the Football Ferns performed the Haka was at the 2011 World Cup in Germany under John Herdman, who is now Canada’s head coach.

“We did it in our last game against Mexico (2-2 tie),” Hassett said. “We ended up with the Haka to end the tournament off.”

derek.vandiest@sunmedia.ca

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