VIDEO: 'Your home, do your thing' says All Black on haka saga

VIDEO: Former Chiefs and All Blacks scrumhalf Brad Weber has come out in support of South Africa following the disruption of the haka during the Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park last weekend.

The 33-year-old Weber, playing out of France for Stade Francais, spoke to the podcast Behind the Ruck about the closing moments of the haka that clashed with music, fireworks, and a flyover by an airliner as a planned schedule went awry.

Weber, an 18-Test All Black, joined the Top 14 outfit Stade Francais last year when his contract with New Zealand Rugby expired after the World Cup.

Since making his debut for the Chiefs in 2014, Weber had been a crucial cog, on and off the field, while he also co-captained the side alongside Sam Cane the last three years he was with them.

In this episode of Behind the Ruck, Weber delved into the controversy surrounding the haka, sharing his thoughts on its cultural significance and what it truly means to perform this powerful tradition.

Weber was asked what he thought of the occasion and how things transpired at Ellis Park.

“I know a lot has been made of it but I’m slightly on a different sideline.

“I’m Maori so I understand the respect part, but ultimately we are coming to your home.

“And so I feel just let you guys do whatever you want,” he said, while also explaining the significance the haka has for the players.

“The haka for me is always about connecting with my home, and my family, and during the haka, yeah there’s a challenge, but I connect with my family from so far away.

“Smacking my feet into the ground – there is a lot of symbolism around that I draw stuff from.

“It’s your home, you guys do what you want.

“If you want to stand there in silence and face it, do that.

“If you want to do your own thing with the flyover and stuff, that’s fine. That’s just my opinion,” he shared.

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Weber explained that a lot of work goes into practicing the haka, especially for new players in the side.

“A lot of work goes into it [haka], certainly in the lead-up to the first test of the year.

“Through the season, TJ [Perenara] is really good and offers his time to guys that need the help.

“Usually on a Thursday night and definitely the Friday night and certainly at the captain’s run we’ll go through where we are placed and what one was doing,” he revealed.

Weber was full of praise for the Springboks and talked about the atmosphere in South Africa during test matches which is unmatched worldwide.

“It was a hell of a Test match.

“I was nervous and at the end of my seat watching that.

“You just can’t replicate the atmosphere in South Africa. It is so completely different than what Kiwis are used to.

“And especially now that we don’t play them in Super Rugby.

“For the young guys, that was their first time playing in South Africa.

“Imagine it is your first time in South Africa and it’s a sold-out Ellis Park against the Springboks.

“It’s pretty intimidating.

“Can’t help but tip the hat to you boys, it was pretty incredible and sets up an awesome rematch this week.”

Reflecting on his career, Weber said he was always told he was too small and to go on and represent the All Blacks was something he never thought would happen to him.

“Playing for the All Blacks was something I never thought would happen to a small little white guy from Napier.

“I would like to go back for one of those token senior seasons if the Chiefs will have me.

“But if they won’t have me, then I’ll probably just hang the boots up.”

At the end of the podcast Weber gave his prediction, and no surprise, he tipped the All Blacks to beat the Springboks by 37-31.

*To watch the full interview with Brad Weber on the podcast, go to Behind the Ruck.