'If there is a better sight... I haven't seen it': Students perform spine-tingling schoolboy haka before rugby game at unique sporting ground

  • New Plymouth Boys' High School students and rugby players joined for a haka
  • School's 1st XV team was playing against Francis Douglas Memorial College
  • The two schools are close neighbours and have a fierce sporting rivalry
  • Students joined in for haka while perched on natural terraces at 'Gully' ground 

A schoolboy rugby team has performed a spine-tingling haka with the support of hundreds of students before a game against their fierce rivals.

New Plymouth Boys' High School 1st XV rugby team played against their traditional rivals and close neighbours Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth, New Zealand on Wednesday.

Before the game, hosts New Plymouth Boys' performed a rousing haka supported by students perched on natural terraces at the school's 'Gully' home ground, which is a natural ampitheatre.

Francis Douglas Memorial College responded in kind with their own haka, as both teams faced off before the game. 

A schoolboy rugby team has performed a spine-tingling haka with the support of hundreds of students before a game against their fierce rivals

A schoolboy rugby team has performed a spine-tingling haka with the support of hundreds of students before a game against their fierce rivals

Commentator Ken Laban was impressed by the haka.

'If there's a better sight in world rugby, I haven't seen it,' he said. 

In 2014, New Plymouth Boys' High School headmaster Michael McMenamin said the haka and the Gully ground were sources of pride for students and alumni.

'The Gully is a very special place in the school. There's nothing much like it anywhere else in New Zealand,' he told Stuff.

Mr McMenamin said the school's haka was written focusing on the Taranaki region where New Plymouth sits and the importance of the area to the young men who live there.

'It's become an integral part of the school now. When we want to show respect to somebody, we haka,' he said. 

The schools play each year for the George-Carroll trophy, with New Plymouth Boys' being dominant throughout the history of the contest having won 17 of the 23 games.

New Plymouth Boys' won Thursday's game 21-15.

Before the game, hosts New Plymouth Boys' performed a rousing haka supported by students perched on natural terraces at the school's 'Gully' home ground

Before the game, hosts New Plymouth Boys' performed a rousing haka supported by students perched on natural terraces at the school's 'Gully' home ground

New Plymouth Boys' High School haka

In Maori

Ko wai ra matou e haruru nei

Au, Au, Aue Haa!

Ko wai ra matou e haruru nei

Au, Au, Aue Haa!

Koro mounga, Koro mounga

Kia mau nga taonga

Kia toa, Hi,

Kia toa Taranaki e

Kei whea te mana?

Kei whea te ihi?

Koinei te mana

Koinei te ihi

I ahaha

Aue Hui e Hui e

Taaiki e

Aue Hui e Hui e

Taaiki e

Hii

English translation

Who are we creating this heavy sound.

We are the descendants of our elder, Taranaki.

Like our mountain we must hold fast the treasures of a true champion.

Where is the influence?

Where is the pride?

Together we gather and stand to preserve these strengths.

Source: New Plymouth Boys' High School

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Spine-tingling schoolboy haka before rugby game at one of sport's most unique grounds

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