It involves scary faces, lots of thigh-slapping and loud chanting. But there is so much history behind the war dance. The Academy's giving you the chance to learn the words to the traditional haka ...

The centrality of the haka within All Black rugby tradition is not a recent development. Since an 1888 tour by the "New Zealand Natives" led by Joseph Warbrick the haka has been closely associated ...

The Black Ferns found out what it's like to face their own haka at the All Blacks Experience in Tāmaki Makaurau. It was a privilege to have the late Whetū Tipiwai's wife, Heneriata in attendance.

The most popular haka is the "Ka Mate" one, traditionally performed by the All Black team prior to rugby matches. Sang in Maori, the lyrics say: "A step upward, another... the Sun shines!" ...

But there is so much history behind the war dance - so we thought we'd give you a chance to find out what it's all about. The Academy's giving you the chance to learn the words to the traditional haka ...