Ready for Battle

New Zealand’s national softball team, The Black Sox, feature in the ‘Freeze Frame’ segment of ShortList magazine, performing the haka prior to their game against Denmark at last month’s World Men’s Softball Championship in Saskatoon, Canada. “The ceremonial dance seemed to do the trick,” writes Andrew Lowry. “Coming off a four-strong winning streak, the world champions three years running gave Denmark a 16–0 mauling.” However, in the final on 27 July against fellow Antipodeans Australia, the haka did little to disquiet their opponents – Australia ended the Black Sox’ three-year reign, winning the final 5–0.