Kiwis change haka routine

The Kiwis have altered their pre-match routine around the haka, according to a report in New Zealand.

The NZ Herald reports that the team’s coaching group had become concerned that performing the haka immediately before kick-off was tiring out players.

As the haka lasts around 90 seconds, performing it was causing players to use up vital energy and oxygen reserves before kick off.

Some in the Kiwi camp have apparently felt that this was affecting how the team started games.

Now, the Kiwis pause after the haka, take a rest and make sure that the players have a drink and collect their throughts, before kicking off.

New Zealand beat England 17-16 at the weekend in Huddersfield.