Jamie George has acknowledged that Joe Marler's criticism of the haka might have stirred controversy, while also revealing that England is contemplating a response to New Zealand’s traditional war dance at Twickenham on Saturday. The England captain disagreed with Marler’s stance that the haka should be “binned,” emphasizing his appreciation for its historical significance. However, he believes opponents should be allowed to respond respectfully.
George disclosed that he has spoken with Marler, who left the England team camp earlier this week for personal reasons, as exclusively reported by the Guardian. Although the captain does not think Marler’s absence has caused a distraction, he acknowledged it could potentially give New Zealand extra motivation. All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson suggested that Marler could have expressed his views more diplomatically, while flanker Sam Cane asserted that Marler knew exactly what he was doing and that performing the haka is a sign of respect.
“It’s classic Joe if I’m honest,” George said. “He’s always been a bit close to the line with certain social media posts. It’s not unhelpful. It’s a conversation that Joe and I actually had the week before; thoughts on it, what can we do back to it. I guess he’s sort of prodded the bear a little bit. We’ve chatted a little bit this week and I just said, ‘cheers mate, thanks very much’.”
On Tuesday, Marler posted on social media that “the haka is ridiculous, it needs binning.” He also referenced the Siva Tau war dance before the rugby league Test between England and Samoa, stating: “It’s only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the [rugby] league boys did last week.”
In the summer Tests against the All Blacks, England opted to take a collective step towards New Zealand during the haka. Before the 2019 World Cup, Eddie Jones planned for his side to form a V-formation, which they believed riled up the All Blacks, though they were fined £2,000 for crossing the halfway line, violating World Rugby regulations. Before New Zealand’s narrow victory at Twickenham in 2018, England players encouraged the crowd to drown out the haka with “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” which they did.
George is looking forward to the theatrical buildup on Saturday as England aims for their first home win over the All Blacks in 12 years. He plans to discuss potential responses to the haka with senior players on Friday. “We’ll have a little chat about it, myself and some of the senior players, but, yeah, there might be something,” he added. “I think as long as it’s respectful, yes [responses are a good thing]. If it comes from the right place, yes. Taking a step forward for us symbolised that we weren’t going to take a step back, and we welcomed the challenge. I think that you should be entitled to that.”
Growing up as a rugby enthusiast, George always enjoyed watching the haka and has faced it several times. He loves its history and has a good understanding of it, having traveled to New Zealand and discussed it with friends from the Pacific Islands. “What I love about the haka at Twickenham is you hear the noise, you hear the theatre that comes with the haka. It’s the cheering, all the chanting that goes on with it. That’s the stuff that makes rugby special.”
Meanwhile, England has announced that tighthead prop Trevor Davison is providing loosehead cover in case of injuries to Ellis Genge or Fin Baxter before Saturday’s match, effectively ruling out a potential call to Marler. Steve Borthwick will update the squad on Sunday, and Marler is not expected to feature. “Joe left for personal reasons early in the week, he has had contact with some players and coaches and is doing OK,” said assistant coach Kevin Sinfield. “He has been available to cover this week if needed but from now on in, in the unlikely event that something happens, Trevor Davison will cover both sides.” On Marler’s tweet, Sinfield added: “It’s not like Joe to throw a hand grenade in is it?”
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
