The Rugby Football Union (RFU) attempted a fast one this week when they tried to schedule a rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot after the All Blacks had performed their Haka.
The two teams meet in a crucial World Cup match today at Twickenham, one which will decide who wins Pool B. The RFU had opera singer Russell Watson prepared to belt out the hymn, a la Ireland's Call, hoping in someway to diffuse the aggression of the Haka.
The Rugby World Cup refused to allow this change in procedure, but have now allowed Swing Low to be sung before the Haka. The RFU are claiming a victory of sorts, but who in their right mind can compare a hymn with the in-your-face hostility of the Maori war dance. Well, the RFU of course.
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