‘It was a special moment’ – All Blacks captain Scott Barrett reacts to England facing up to the Haka
All Blacks during a Haka.
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett felt England’s response to the Haka built the atmosphere in New Zealand’s 24-22 win at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
The Haka was a massive talking point in the build-up to the Test after Joe Marler called for it to be “binned” in a post on X, formerly Twitter, which inevitably sparked outrage online.
Marler later apologised claiming he was just trying to add spice to the match build-up but called for teams to be allowed to challenge the Haka. Well, that is what England did as they advanced during the Maori War Dance but did not cross the half-way line, which Marler has been fined for in the past.
A memorable Haka
The All Blacks also advanced much further towards the opposition than normal in what was a memorable Haka. Barrett loved how it built the atmosphere with the crowd blaring out ‘Swing Low’.
“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.
The game was England’s for the taking as they held a 22-14 lead with just a quarter left on the clock but much like their two other Tests against the All Blacks this year the Red Rose failed to close the game out.
“I think they had every opportunity to (win),” Barrett said. “Going back to the July series, they have been three tight encounters and tonight they certainly had the opportunity to put their nose in front.
“I think when they’re playing, they have shown this year they’re a dangerous team. I think we potentially just played a little bit more rugby than them for the majority of the game.
“There were a few arm-wrestles but I was just pleased with our endeavour to play and that created that opportunity with Mark (Tele’a) to put us in front.”
Battle of the ages
For Barrett himself, he faced up against an inspired Maro Itoje who was brilliant on the day. The All Blacks skipper only had good to say about his opposite number.
“Maro, he always poses a threat around the breakdown and at set-piece, he showed that tonight and had some influence on those areas. It’s always a good ding-dong (battle) and I enjoy playing him,” he said.
