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New Zealand showcased their passion for rugby with a stunning hakaCredit: AFP<\/p>\n
But the England rugby star is no stranger to intimidating experiences, facing them head on.<\/p>\n
That is quite clearly demonstrated by his response to the haka in 2019.<\/p>\n
A pre-match haka from the New Zealand national rugby union team might be one of the most intimidating experiences in sport.<\/p>\n
The ceremonial Maori dance involves stamping and shouting, as well as hand movements that signal a challenge to upcoming opponents.<\/p>\n
Whilst it’s performed across all ages and levels in Maori culture, the All Blacks<\/a> are the most famous team to perform it on a global scale.<\/p>\n Their passion demonstrates preparation for battle on the pitch, with the Rugby World Cup<\/a> providing the biggest stage of all.<\/p>\n The 2019 tournament in particular saw England<\/a> come up against the haka in the semi-finals and challenge it as per tradition<\/a>.<\/p>\n Just as New Zealand began their performance, the Red Roses advanced across the halfway line<\/a> to meet their challengers up close.<\/p>\n Joe Marler<\/a> in particular stood just yards away from the front of the haka in a move that broke rugby tradition.<\/p>\n Rules state that teams who face the haka must not cross the halfway line, something that France also did in the 2011 World Cup final.<\/p>\n England, who stood in a V shape in their challenge, were reportedly fined \u00a32,000 for the breach, which didn’t stick to their original plan.<\/p>\n Marler, alongside teammates Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs and Tom Curry, appeared on the Jonathan Ross Show and recalled the scenes. <\/p>\n “It wasn’t my idea, and it wasn’t meant to be a V,” he revealed to his fellow Traitors co-star Ross.<\/p>\n Youngs explained: “We met the night before and we said, ‘Look, it’s a challenge and we all want to face the challenge, and make sure that they know that we’re up for it.’<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n England responded by forming a V shape and facing their opponentsCredit: Getty 7<\/p>\n Marler was the furthest man forward as England broke the rules of the hakaCredit: World Rugby YouTube 7<\/p>\n They were told to push back from New Zealand by the refereeCredit: World Rugby YouTube<\/p>\n “We said, ‘Let’s get a sort of semi-circle’, a few lads were still confused. So we’re like, ‘Look, this is where you’ve got to stand…'”<\/p>\n Marler then added: “The issue was, Ben drew it up the night before.<\/p>\n “We had a meeting the night before and he said, ‘Right, for those that are still struggling with what we’re doing…’<\/p>\n Host Ross cut a shocked figure and asked: “They were struggling with the concept of a half-circle?”<\/p>\n Marler then revealed a concern he had with the plan, saying: “The issue I had is, I look at that board and I go, ‘That’s not to scale.’ <\/p>\n “And I thought we were meant to be closer than what the picture actually said.”<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n Marler tried to explain to Ross how England dealt with the Haka – but the host was left very confused<\/p>\n When asked about crossing the halfway line, Marler expressed himself.<\/p>\n “You went over the line, didn’t you?” Ross asked, and Marler replied: “Yeah, which I thought we were all going to do. <\/p>\n “I look back and I go, ‘Oh no, they’re not doing it. Well, I’ve already committed now.”<\/p>\n Tuilagi, Youngs and Curry joked the fine would be paid by Marler who, in apparent shock, asked: “Am I? So it wasn’t a wind-up?”<\/p>\n Marler on ‘ridiculous’ haka<\/p>\n The haka is much-loved by New Zealand fans and rugby audiences across the world for its show of strength and unity.<\/p>\n However, five years after breaking the rules and crossing the halfway line, Marler called for the pre-match dance to be removed.<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n The England vs New Zealand stand-off made for exciting viewingCredit: Getty<\/p>\n “The Haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous,” he said<\/a> on X.<\/p>\n He added: “It’s only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the league boys did last week.”<\/p>\n “Context is everything,” another post said. “Just having a bit of fun trying to spark interest in a mega rugby fixture. Some wild responses. Big Love x.”<\/p>\n![\"England](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/general-view-new-zealand-players-1036382337.jpg\")
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