All Blacks react to England’s Haka disrespect

The All Blacks, through captain Scott Barrett, have given a classy response after England went against protocol to challenge the Haka at Twickenham on Saturday.

THE BACKSTORY

The haka has been in the big talking point over the last few days after controversial England prop Joe Marler sparked a furore and on-going debate online when he described the All Blacks’ cultural war-dance as “ridiculous” and claiming it “needs binning”.

After everything that had been said, all eyes were on how England would respond to the challenge ahead of kick-off on Saturday, having famously met it head on with a V formation before their 2019 World Cup semi-final win over the All Blacks.

And England didn’t disappoint. Despite World Rugby prohibiting any sort of challenge to the haka, England advanced towards the All Blacks, who in return further closed the gap between the two sides by walking up to the hosts.

The home supporters also drowned out the All Blacks’ war cries during the haka by belting ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ while the performance took place.

CLASSY ALL BLACKS RESPOND TO ENGLAND’S HAKA DISRESPECT

After all that happened prior to and during the Haka, the All Blacks edged England 24-22 in a dramatic game of the highest quality.

When asked for his take about England’s decision to advance towards the All Blacks during the Haka, New Zealand skipper Scott Barrett said it was a special moment that his team appreciated.

“I think the week showed that there’s going to be plenty of feeling between the teams in regards to the haka and we expected a strong challenge, even before the whistle. It was great, you can certainly feel the atmosphere and it was a special moment,” Barrett said.