England captain Jamie George has hinted that his team may have a response planned for the All Blacks’ Haka this weekend.
The cultural debate has dominated the match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham this weekend, when prop Joe Marler expressed his thoughts on the Haka on social media.
Marler, who was not named to England’s matchday 23 against the All Blacks and abandoned the squad for personal reasons unrelated to his comments, posted on X that ‘the Haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous.
Joe Marler prods the bear.
He has now apologized for his words, explaining that he meant “no malice” and that it was his “flippant attempt at sparking a debate”.
Nonetheless, his comments sparked outrage in New Zealand, with ACT leader David Seymour blasting Marler, saying: “Well, in my experience, I have met a few props with very high IQ, but very few of them. So it could be something from that area.”
Joe Marler returns to his ‘attention-seeking box’ after apologising for All Blacks’ Haka remarks.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson was significantly more diplomatic in his answer, questioning whether Marler merely selected his words badly before explaining the significance of the Haka to New Zealanders.
Meanwhile, England skipper George does not share his fellow front-rowers’ feelings on the cultural challenge, and he believes Marler may have given the All Blacks extra impetus ahead of the two sides’ third meeting in 2024.
“Growing up as a big rugby fan, I always enjoyed witnessing the Haka, and I’ve had the opportunity to confront it a few times. George added, “I love the history of it.”
“Joe and I don’t always agree, thus we differ on this particular topic. To be honest, it’s very typical of Joe.
“He’s always been a little on the edge with his social media posts, so nothing surprises me. We talked a little bit this week, and I just said, ‘Cheers, friend, thanks so much!’.
“It’s a chat Joe and I had the week prior about the Haka, what we could do to revisit it, and so on. “I guess he prodded the bear a little.”
England plans to respond to the All Blacks’ Haka.
In 2019, England memorably formed an arrowhead as the All Blacks performed the Haka ahead of their Rugby World Cup semi-final match.
Marler was at the center of the issue at the time because he failed to follow World Rugby’s cultural challenge standards as he advanced into New Zealand’s side of the pitch, leading in a £2000 punishment for England Rugby.
England’s response to the haka was praised by Robertson and ex-All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen. “The haka requires a response. It’s a challenge to you, personally, and it requires a response. I thought it was brilliant and quite imaginative, too,” Hansen said. Hooker George, who also featured in that famous victory over the All Blacks in Japan, hinted that England could do something similar on Saturday as they look to claim.
“It’s not only how we react. It’s the fans’ reaction, which includes cheering and chanting. That’s what gives rugby its own flavor. “What I know is you can do what you like to the Haka but fundamentally it’s going to come down to how you front up physically against the All Blacks and that’s what we’ve got to focus on.”
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