New Zealand rugby great Ma’a Nonu accepted the All Blacks' challenge with a haka of his own, saying playing against them was "an honour".
Lining up for the Sharks in Durban for the second match of the All Blacks' tour of South Africa, Nonu, who played over 100 Tests and won two World Cups in a distinguished career in the black jersey, stood with his new team as the visitors performed Ka Mate.
After they finished, Nonu stepped forward on his own to answer the challenge with Kapa o Pango, much to the delight of the crowd.
He bowed with his hands clasped when he finished, with the All Blacks applauding his gesture.
Nonu, who had been playing in France, only recently joined the Sharks at the age of 44.
He started the game on the bench and was subbed on to play the last 20 minutes of the match.
The All Blacks won 54-0.
Speaking to Sky after the match, Nonu said: "I got here last Monday and they just needed help, someone on the bench. Thought it would be rude to say no.
"Thought I'd just put the boots on and help the team really. Luckily I got 20 minutes. Tried my best. It was great to see the boys, to play against them was such a privilege and an honour.
"To do the haka as well to show my respect on behalf of my family to the boys and the team I love, and I will always love."
He said the decision to do the haka was made in the moment, having been asked about it the night before.
“I kind of said no because this week I didn’t want it to be about myself being on the bench, the All Blacks and my history with the team. I wanted it to be about the All Blacks and the Sharks.
“I spoke to Tana [Umaga] and Tamati [Ellison], I asked Tamati for permission – in terms of doing it out of respect on behalf of our team, on behalf of myself and my family, and I thought it was the right thing to do to answer the boys and the All Blacks.”
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