Rugby World Cup 2011:

France fined for advancing on New Zealand's haka before final kick-off

The end of the World Cup has turned sour for beaten finalists France after they were fined £2,500 for advancing over the half-way line as the All Blacks performed their traditional haka before kick-off.

France breached a "cultural ritual protocol" and teams knew about the penalty before the tournament began, a spokesman said.

However, All Blacks manager Darren Shand told Newstalk ZB radio station there was no need for any punishment.

French captain Thierry Dusautoir, who was named the IRB Player of the Year on Monday night, said the team had only finalised their plan to advance on the haka on the morning of the final.

"At one stage we were so close to them that they wanted to kiss the New Zealanders, but I told them to take it easy. It was a great moment and a moment we will remember all our lives," he said.

The victorious All Blacks, meanwhile, were greeted by 50,000 cheering fans during a parade through Christchurch.
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I thought it was great stuff from the French and added to the final.....The petty fine was pointless.

If they are going to fine something like that they should just go the next step and allocate all the players with a new hand bag to co ordinate with their team colours so they will have somewhere to keep their purse and Lippy.

How about we display our own cultural ritual at all sporting events; Waltzing Matilda ought to do it.

The haka is not an official part of the game. The V formation was good theatre and responded to the challenge of the haka in its intended spirit.

The Kiwi's were quite right in saying that no penalty need apply. It's officialdom gone crazy.

Hey everyone, happy every day.