All Blacks Fired Up Ahead of Twickenham Clash
England fear that veteran prop Joe Marler’s recent comments about the Haka may have “prodded the bear,” as they prepare to face a highly motivated All Blacks side at Twickenham tomorrow. While New Zealand hope any English response to their iconic pre-match challenge will be “respectful,” home captain Jamie George has voiced his support for the Haka, while also backing the opposition’s right to reply.
Marler had earlier this week argued that the Haka should be “binned,” incensing many Kiwi fans. However, George brushed off the comments as “classic Joe,” noting that he and Marler had discussed potential responses to the Haka the previous week. “He’s sort of prodded the bear a bit,” admitted the England skipper.
George was effusive in his praise for the spectacle created by the All Blacks’ ritual, saying, “I love the history of it.” When asked if England plan to respond, as they famously did before the 2019 World Cup semi-final, George said, “We’ll have a chat about it…there might be something.” He emphasized that any English reply should be “respectful.“
“Whatever they come up with, we’ll face.”
- Scott Robertson, All Blacks Head Coach
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson acknowledged Marler’s comments, noting, “I wonder if he wishes he could have articulated himself a little bit better on that.” Robertson stressed the cultural significance of the Haka, describing it as part of the team’s “DNA” and a means of “challenge” and “connection.” While open to a respectful response from England, he said, “Whatever they come up with, we’ll face.“
Robertson dismissed the need to use Marler’s remarks as extra motivation, saying, “I don’t have to pin it up on the wall when it’s on social media! The boys are aware of it.” The highly anticipated Twickenham clash is shaping up to be an intense affair, with both sides determined to uphold the tradition and respect surrounding the iconic Haka.
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