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Ellis Genge addresses possible England response to haka

By PA
Ellis Genge, looks on during the England training session held at the Allianz Twickenham Stadium on November 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Ellis Genge says England are planning their challenge to the haka after Joe Marler caused a storm by calling for New Zealand’s pre-match ritual to be scrapped.

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Marler has since apologised after taking to social media to brand the haka “ridiculous” and stating it should be “binned”, but captain Jamie George fears his comments may have “prodded the bear”.

All eyes will be on the Maori war dance at Allianz Stadium on Saturday when the All Blacks launch the Autumn Nations Series – and England could add to the spectacle through their response.

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“We’ll chat about it later on, we’ve got a meeting and we’ll see what the craic is,” Bristol prop Genge said.

“We’re not going to start climbing on each other’s shoulders, but we’ll sit there respectfully and watch it.

“I’ve only faced it once (in 2022). It’s massive in the history of the game. Most people who aren’t necessarily too interested in rugby still know what the haka is.

“I know some people are divided on it but I quite like it. It’s bit of a challenge. I’m a big fan of it and I don’t think we should get rid of it.

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“You should be able to respond but everyone is respectful when they do that.”

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Comments

7 Comments
B
Bull Shark 22 days ago

Shouldnt they rather be planning on how to not lose?

B
BM 22 days ago

Yeah BS hehehe! 🤣

H
Hellhound 22 days ago

The Haka is integral to NZ rugby and must be respected. There is many different "haka's" for various different occasions etc. It was disrespectful from a foul mouth loser who always try to be in the news. Disrespecting someone else's culture is similar to racism.

R
RedWarrior 22 days ago

Haka outside NZ is by invitation and technically this invitation doesn't have to be issued although de facto always is. His argument was that a response should be allowed.

F
Flankly 22 days ago

Most people who aren’t necessarily too interested in rugby still know what the haka is.

Which is why provoking a haka debate before a NZ game is a good way to promote the game.


Bravo, Mr Marler.

B
BM 22 days ago

He is Racist! Always puts our haka down ...at least the last two visits!

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RedWarrior 46 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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