England skipper drawn into haka debate
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Jamie George said he “loved the history” of the haka after England teammate Joe Marler urged New Zealand to ditch their pre-game ritual.
Marler attempted to stir up controversy by labelling the haka as “ridiculous” just days before the teams meet at Twickenham.
However, later Thursday, 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 dance 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 rugby union's leading international teams.
“I really enjoy it,” George told reporters on Thursday.
“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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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 unhelpful…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 returned to Twitter on Thursday night 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 semi-final against the All Blacks in Japan, the last time they beat New Zealand.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Henry Nicholls/AFP
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