Mealamu became an important part of the leadership team of the national side and led the haka for the All Blacks 31 times. He led the "Ka Mate" version 23 times and the newer "Kapa o Pango" version 8 times. He first led the team in September 2007 against Italy. In his final international test he led the "Kapa o Pango" haka before the final against Australia during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.