An Irish rugby writer has made a call to ban the Haka, claiming that it gives New Zealand an “unfair advantage”.

In an article for  Pundit Arena, Ewan MacKenna asked why officials are still “pandering to the dance”.

“That’s unfortunate as New Zealand are justifiably big-headed enough without a massaging of their already massive egos,” MacKenna wrote.

“Yet even World Rugby have it in their rules that to not stand on your own 10-metre line and watch a bunch stick out their tongues and slap their thighs is worthy of a fine and a telling off.”

MacKenna continued explaining his reasoning, as it is an “attempt at opponent intimidation”.

“There’s a practical reason why the Haka shouldn’t happen as, while it provides a psychological edge through self-inspiration and via an attempt at opponent intimidation, it also provides a small physical edge as others are forced to stand still and go briefly cold,” he wrote.

“There’s another reason too though as there is a huge lack of self-awareness about this. Again there are those who’ll say it’s native and it is to some, but the majority of New Zealand players haven’t been Maori. Instead, they descend from forefathers who were actually ruthless oppressors of natives.”

Brian Moore, a former England international, agreed that the Haka has grown tired.

“I’m getting bored of the Haka now,” he wrote on Twitter.

“It’s a part of wider Kiwi culture and very important in many different ways. Perform it if you want, but opposing sides and fans should be allowed to do what they want in response.”

Scroll through the gallery to see the Haka being performed at the World Rugby Cup over the years.