All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has cautioned England that Joe Marler's haka comments have 'loaded the gun' ahead of their autumn internationals clash at Twickenham on Saturday. Marler sparked controversy by calling the haka 'ridiculous' and suggesting it should be scrapped, before later apologizing for his remarks. England captain Jamie George distanced himself from Marler's views, expressing his admiration for the All Blacks' traditional war dance and hinting at a respectful response from his team.
England's last victory over New Zealand at Twickenham dates back to 2012. Barrett, when asked if Marler's comments had inadvertently provided his team's pre-match motivation, acknowledged the significance of the haka to the All Blacks, emphasizing its importance beyond rugby. He noted that the haka unites the team and sets the tone for the match, adding that any forward movement by the opposing team during the haka signals their readiness for a challenging game.
Meanwhile, George has urged his teammates to shed their inhibitions and display their passion on the field, as the Rugby Football Union (RFU) faces difficulties in selling out all four autumn Tests at Twickenham. Despite the high-profile nature of the fixtures, including matches against Australia, South Africa, and Japan, ticket sales have been sluggish, with over 130 unsold tickets for the All Blacks clash and thousands available for other matches. The RFU is concerned about the slow sales, and George has prioritized reconnecting with supporters since his appointment as captain, engaging in ongoing discussions with RFU staff to enhance the match-day experience.
In an effort to engage more with fans, England will alter their pre-match walk from the team bus to the dressing room. George emphasized the importance of showing emotion on the field, encouraging his team to reflect the passion and pride of playing for England. He hopes that fans attending or watching the game will recognize the significance of representing the entire country, a sentiment he aims to instill in the team as long as he remains involved.
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
