Wales produced a spectacular response to the All Blacks' famous haka at the Principality Stadium, leaving rugby fans around the world captivated by the pre-match theatre.
Steve Tandy's squad were bathed in a deep red glow, with smoke swirling around them as they faced New Zealand's traditional challenge. With the stadium roof shut and the lights lowered, the All Blacks performed their haka beneath a solitary spotlight before Wales countered with a stunning display of their own.
Dragon's Breath spectacle
The Welsh Rugby Union dubbed the striking spectacle 'Dragon's Breath', with the red illumination creating an extraordinary backdrop to one of rugby's most iconic pre-match rituals. The imagery left its mark, with fans flocking to social media to applaud the staging and celebrate Wales' powerful response.
One supporter wrote: "That was a class haka...pure Hollywood with the spotlight and the red background." Another said: "That was some staging for the haka. Well done to whoever set that up!"
Fans praise the staging
A third added: "I think Welsh organisers raised the haka spectacle by quite a few notches there." The response was also commended for the sheer visual spectacle of the moment, with one fan posting: "The haka being performed in the spotlight with the roof closed at The Principality Stadium to give this effect while the Welsh are illuminated by a red cloud is incredible. What imagery!"
Another remarked: "Whatever the score and inevitable result, it is clear that Wales have found the most successful response to the haka."
A tribute to heritage
The display was also a tribute to the rich heritage between the two nations. Their legendary 1905 encounter at Cardiff Arms Park saw the Welsh supporters respond to the All Blacks' haka by singing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, producing one of the most memorable moments in Welsh rugby history. Over a century later, the Welsh anthem was sung acapella in a magnificent moment before the haka took centre stage.
