England’s team has seemingly decided on a unique method to prepare for the significant encounter with the All Blacks, a strategy that appears to intentionally provoke them. A choice that is, arguably, not the most strategic. Controversial statements about the haka, referring to it as “ridiculous” and needing to “be trashed”, made quite the undesirable impression among New Zealanders, courtesy of Joe Marler’s tweets.
Scott Robertson, the All Blacks’ head coach, mused on Thursday whether Marler regretted his choice of words. He highlighted the fact that the haka is deeply symbolic for not just the All Blacks, but for New Zealand as a whole.
Robertson disclosed that Marler’s derogatory remarks about the haka were already known to his players through social media and did not have to be posted in the dressing room. He stopped short of stating that this would serve as incentive, although he did mention it is under discussion on how to handle it in a respectful way. The situation was akin to the white tigers plotting a course of action against Siegfried & Roy.
Sam Cane distinctively noted that Joe Marler was very likely aware of the effects his statement would have. Whilst Cane maintained politeness and correctness in his comments, the dissatisfaction was evident in his tone. He put emphasis on the fact that in New Zealand, performing the haka is a mark of great respect, performed on occasions like turning 21 or wedded unions, and represents a challenge that is open to interpretation by opponents. He subtly suggested that by expressing such viewpoints, Marler has shown a lack of respect towards the team and their customs.
The English folks sometimes question why the rest of the global populace appears to relish fervently at defeating them in sports. More so, one would wonder what the reaction of specific sections of the Twickenham audience would have been had the New Zealanders appeared before them in the past week criticising their tuneful rendition of ‘Swing Low.’ The haka, after all, is a genuine representation of New Zealand’s cultural heritage and it represents an enjoyable spectacle, as endorsed by player Cane, which the spectators thoroughly relish.
Robertson expressed no reservations about the opposing team responding to the haka on the pitch. He referred to the time England formed an arrow-like structure to confront it during the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup as “awesome.” He further stated that it had a profound symbolism attached to it and it was executed respectfully. He commented that this was what competing sport is all about. Cane was in agreement with him, stating “we’re setting out a challenge. If they wish to respond with something else that symbolizes they’re taking up the challenge, that’s perfectly fine.” However, he did postulate that maintaining a space of at least 10m between the opposition was crucial to keeping the game clean.
Marler’s comments have only increased the challenge for the team. Even though New Zealand has witnessed only four victories in the last seven test matches, Robertson’s team still presents a formidable opposition. He has made four significant changes to the XV who had defeated Australia 33-13 in the concluding contest of the Rugby Championship in late September. Mark Tele’a replaces Sevu Reece in the wing position, Jordie Barrett makes a return as an inside centre after recovering from a knee injury, and Cortez Ratima starts as scrum half after showcasing excellent form throughout the year. The only position with less strength is loosehead, where Ethan de Groot has been switched out for Tamaiti Williams.
Robertson mentioned that De Groot did not align with “internal standards”, an eloquent phrasing of a harsh reality. With all the current dialogue around the haka, he might have actually managed to avoid a rigorous barrage of questions about his team’s actions after normal playing hours.
Beauden Barrett has been chosen as the starting fly-half over Damian McKenzie, a pivotal decision that speaks volumes. Barrett, who often played this role in the initial stages of his career, will now for the first time start a Test in this position alongside his younger brother, Jordie. The older Barrett’s superior game-management abilities were a deciding factor, according to Robertson. Robertson emphasised that Beauden’s seasoned experience equips him with an innate understanding of what’s required during a northern tour. He credited Beauden’s uncanny instincts whilst handling the ball or kicking it, and his savvy field navigation. The team’s faith in Beauden won him the spot for this week’s match.
Robertson was adamant about the fact that no additional motivation was needed to gear up for a Test against England at Twickenham. He highlighted the past thrilling clashes and instances when All Black legends had made their lasting impression on the game. Yet, the extra incentive presented itself regardless, owing to Marler.
The New Zealand team against England consists of W Jordan, M Tele’a, R Ioane, J Barrett, C Clarke, B Barrett, C Ratima, T Williams, C Taylor, T Lomax, S Barrett (who is also the captain), T Vaa’i, W Sititi, S Cane, and A Savea. The substitutes are A Aumua, O Tu’ungafasi, P Tosi, P Tuipulotu, S Finau, C Roigard, A Lienert-Brown and D McKenzie, as reported by The Guardian.