For the second straight year, the Chiefs finish on top of the Super Rugby season, beating the Brumbies 27-22 in the final held at Waikato Stadium at Hamilton, producing an exceptional Haka dance to celebrate their dominance of New Zealand and Southern Hemisphere Rugby.
They had Maroi warriors on either side of the main group performing the Haka, while family members and mostly children were also involved. Hikawera Elliot led the routine, that showed once again what a tight knit unit this Chiefs side is.
Liam Messam said that it is their way of thanking the fans, friends and family: It’s part of our culture and who we are as a team. It’s just pretty much giving thanks to our friends and family, they sit in front of us, so, just all the sacrifices they’ve done for us over the years.. That’s for them.
Even injured players joined in, crutches and all, with Richard Kahui and Mo Schwalger also taking part. The most impressive figure in the Haka, standing in the front of the pack, was Ben Tameifuna, still waiting for his first All Blacks appearance, who was also the best player on the pitch during their close win over the Brumbies.
I had my family right there in the front row, so it’s for them. It’s for them, thanking them for the support the whole season and hopefully they’ll turn up next season and do it again.