Sipitau - Ikale Tahi War Cry

With the down hill slide of Tongan Rugby over the last two decades so has the meaning and the presentation of the "SIPITAU", our version of the Haka by the All Blacks. There has been much criticism and embarrassment by the community due to the lack of passion and cohesion shown by the players when performing this ritual.

Jim Love has made it a point to practice the sipitau on every other day of the Ikale Tahi's camp, in order to get the players to feel and exert the energy that comes when performing the Sipitau. Jim being from the old school loves the tradition as he did when he was playing for the NZ Maori and then became assistant coach for a number of years.

He has slowly started to install the pride back into the players, making them understand and feel the importance of representing Tonga and what it means.

If you still have doubts, don't miss the opening match against Italy, as "the boys are back in town" and the Sipitau will be performed the way it should be.

'Ei e! Ei e!

Teu lea pea tala ki mamani katoa
Ko e 'ikale tahi kuo halofia

Ke 'ilo 'e he sola moe taka
Koe 'aho ni teu tamate tangata
'A e haafe mo e tautua'a
Kuo hu'i hoku anga tangata

He! He! 'Ei e. Tu

Teu peluki e molo moe foueti taka
Pea ngungu mo ha loto fita'a
Keu mate ai he ko hoku loto

Ko Tonga pe mate ki he moto
Ko Tonga pe mate ki he moto

(English)
I shall speak to the whole world
The sea eagle is starved

Let the foreigner and sojourner beware
Today, destroyer of souls I am, everywhere
To the half back and the backs
I have shed my human characteristics

He! He! 'Ei e. Tu

Maul and loose forwards I shall mow
And crunch any fierce hearts you know
I drink the ocean and consume the fire
To death or victory my will is fine

That's how Tonga gives to her motto
To her motto, Tonga gives all
To her motto, Tonga gives all