Epic war dance face-off

It was the only match in this World Cup to feature a traditional war-dance confrontation, but the third between the All Blacks and Tonga in the tournament's history.

World Cup rules dictated that Tonga, as the designated 'Team A' for the match would go first with their sipi tau and 'Team B' New Zealand could chose when to respond.

The responded immediately. Tonga had no sooner started than the All Blacks adopted their signature squat to launch their "Ka Mate" haka and the crowd erupted as the two South Pacific nations challenged each other to war.

It was reminiscent of the 2003 World Cup when Tonga were team B and took up the challenge immediately, advancing on the All Blacks in a riveting clash at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

In 2011, it was more circumspect with the All Blacks waiting for Tonga to finish before they started.

Tonga wing Siale Piutau said before the game he would prefer the pre-battle face-off to be done at the same time.

Unlike the haka which follows a set script, Piutau said the words for the sipi tau can be changed to suit the occasion.

"It's still a war dance but most of it is just declaring God's strength over Tonga and repeating the motto of Tonga, which is 'Guard in Tonga my inheritance'.

"Then as a team we just have to adjust the words to suit our goals at the time."

The prospect of brother against brother and mate against mate was negated by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

While Siale Piutau did the sipi tau, his All Blacks brother Charles missed the cut for the World Cup squad.

Tongan-born All Black Malakai Fekitoa, a former Tongan Sevens player and a friend of many players in the Tongan side, was not required to suit up for the game.

Agence France-Presse