England v All Blacks: Jamie George hints at a Haka response after Joe Marler ‘prodded the bear’
England captain Jamie George has hinted that his team may have a response planned for the All Blacks’ Haka this weekend.
The cultural challenge has headlined the clash between England and New Zealand at Twickenham this weekend after prop Joe Marler shared his views on the Haka on social media.
Marler, who has not been named in the England matchday 23 to face the All Blacks and has left the squad for personal reasons not related to his comments, wrote on X that ‘The Haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous.’
Joe Marler prods the bear
He has since issued an apology for his remarks and explained that he meant “no malice” and it was his “flippant attempt at sparking a debate”.
Still, his comments drew furious backlash in New Zealand with ACT leader David Seymour hitting out at 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 in that area.”
Joe Marler back in his ‘attention-seeking box’ after apologising for All Blacks’ Haka remarks
All Blacks boss Scott Robertson was far more diplomatic in his response saying that he wondered if Marler simply chose his words poorly before explaining the importance of the Haka to New Zealanders.
Meanwhile, England skipper George did not share his fellow front-rower’s sentiments on the cultural challenge and suspects that Marler may have given the All Blacks extra motivation ahead of the third clash between the two sides in 2024.
“The Haka was always something I enjoyed watching growing up as a big rugby fan and I’ve been lucky enough to face it a few times. I love the history of it,” George said.
“Joe and I, we don’t always agree on everything, so we disagree on this certain topic. It’s classic Joe if I’m honest.
“He’s always been a little bit close to the line with certain social media posts so nothing comes as a surprise with him. We’ve chatted a little bit this week and I just said, ‘Cheers mate, thanks very much!’.
“It’s a conversation that Joe and I actually had the week before – thoughts on the Haka, what can we do back to it, all that kind of thing. I guess he’s prodded the bear a little bit.”
England plan a response to the All Blacks’ Haka
In 2019, England famously formed an arrowhead as the All Blacks performed the Haka ahead of the Rugby World Cup semi-final meeting between the two sides.
Marler was at the centre of the controversy that time as well as he failed to adhere to World Rugby’s regulations around cultural challenges as he advanced into New Zealand’s half of the pitch, resulting in a £2000 fine for England Rugby.
However, Robertson said that response was “awesome” with ex-All Blacks head coach Sir Steve Hansen also hailing England’s response at the time.
“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.
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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 their first victory New Zealand at the home of English Rugby since 2012.
“We’ll have a little chat about it, myself and some of the senior players. But yes, there might be something,” George said.
“What I love about the Haka at Twickenham is that you hear the noise and the theatre that comes with it.
“It’s not just about our reaction. It’s the fans’ reaction – the cheering and the chanting that goes on with it. That’s the stuff that makes rugby special.
“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.”
READ MORE: All Blacks: Scott Robertson hits back at Joe Marler’s haka jibe and takes a dig at Springboks
