REACTION: England captain Jamie George said he “loved the history” of the haka after Test colleague Joe Marler urged New Zealand to ditch their pre-game ritual just days before the teams meet at Twickenham.
Marler attempted to stir up controversy by labelling the haka as “ridiculous”.
However, later Marler apologised for his remarks, insisting he meant “no malice” and that his views were “poorly articulated”.
England prop Marler, who is not playing in Saturday’s match after leaving the squad for personal reasons, had taken to social media earlier this week to deride the haka – performed by New Zealand players before each game – saying it “needs binning”.
Haka are ritual war dances that form a significant part of indigenous Maori culture, and for decades have been closely associated with the All Blacks, long one of the game’s leading teams.
“I really enjoy it,” George told reporters in the build-up to Saturday’s Test.
“Growing up as a big rugby fan it was always something I enjoyed watching, and I’ve been lucky enough to face it a few times.”
The 34-year-old Saracens hooker added: “I love the history of it. Joe and I, we don’t always agree on everything, so we disagree on this certain topic.”
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‘Classic Joe’
A laughing George said Marler’s comments were “classic Joe”.
“He’s always been a little bit close to the line, hasn’t he, I suppose, with certain social media posts?,” he said.
“So nothing comes as a surprise with Joe.
“No, it’s not helpful.
“I guess he’s sort of prodded the bear a little bit.”
England have lost 17 of their last 20 Tests against New Zealand, with George saying: “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.”
Meanwhile Marler, after initially shutting down his account, returned to social media to apologise for his words.
“Hey, rugby fans. Just wanted to jump on here and say sorry to any New Zealand fans I upset with my poorly articulated tweet earlier in the week,” he wrote.
“I meant no malice in asking for it to be binned.
“I’m grateful for the education received on how important the haka is to the New Zealand culture and hope others have a better understanding too.
“Now roll on 3pm on Saturday for a mega rugby occasion. England by 6pts. I’ll get back in my attention-seeking box now. Big Love x.”
How opposition teams respond to the haka has long been a thorny topic.
England lined up in an arrowhead formation ahead of their 2019 World Cup semifinal against the All Blacks in Japan – the last time they beat New Zealand.
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson said that response had been “awesome”, and “respectfully done.”
But Robertson, speaking at the team hotel in London after naming his side to play England, was less impressed by Marler’s comments.
“I know Joe,” he said.
“I wonder if he wishes he could have articulated himself a little bit better on that.”
Robertson explained the haka’s cultural significance in New Zealand by saying: “It is part of who we are, our DNA.
“You can welcome somebody, it is for celebrations, for joy, and also fora challenge. We use it as a challenge.”
Countless critics have called for the haka to be banned over the years, alleging it gives New Zealand players an unfair pre-game edge.
