Joe Marler’s controversial Haka comments added to the occasion of England vs New Zealand, writes CHRIS FOY, as the both teams created a spectacle worthy of the furore

After all the hype and the days of debate, the outrage, tension and anticipation about what would happen when the talk turned to action, the Haka didn’t disappoint.

Joe Marler had ignited the build-up to this clash at Twickenham with a social media post arguing that the All Blacks’ traditional pre-match challenge should be ‘binned’ on the basis that it is ‘ridiculous’. More pertinently, after stirring the pot, the veteran Harlequins prop went on to suggest that the whole routine only worked well when it elicits a response from the opposition.

Well, Marler’s wish came true; there was a response from England. But first, there was a chance for him to rebuild some bridges. While the teams warmed up, the off-duty loosehead shook hands with New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson and engaged in a seemingly jovial chat, which allowed him to further clarify comments he had already apologised for, to any offended Kiwis.

There had been plenty of those. England captain Jamie George admitted that his fellow front-rower had ‘prodded the bear’ by casting doubt on the validity of the Haka without a meaningful right of reply. It then emerged that the bear was armed, as All Black captain Scott Barrett claimed that Marler had ‘loaded the gun’ for a spicy encounter in south west London.

When the moment finally came, it lived up to expectations. Once the anthems had taken place, there was a roar from the capacity crowd, sensing that a gripping spectacle was in prospect. That is certainly what they witnessed.

England’s clash against New Zealand came amidst the backdrop of controversy surrounding the haka

Harlequins star Joe Marler called the ritual ‘ridiculous’ but later apologised for his comments and was pictured with All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson

The uproar surrounding his comments ultimately only added to the spectacle on display at Twickenham

England lined up some way behind the halfway line and their supporters launched into a rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot as the visitors prepared to start their war dance. Codie Taylor led it and it was drowned out by the singing in the stands.

There had been talk of an on-field English response and, sure enough, as the Haka began, the home team, bound together, marched forward until they were right on halfway, staring intently at the challengers opposite. That got the crowd going even more, but it also appeared to fire up the Kiwis as they delivered the Kapa O Pango version of the Haka with chilling intent.

Robertson’s side appeared to step up the intensity and aggression once England had walked forward, advancing towards the men in white until they were just a few metres apart. Seconds later, when the challenge had been delivered, they turned to take their positions for kick-off, as did most of the England players. But Ellis Genge did not. For several seconds, the prop stayed still, glaring in the direction of the New Zealanders.

It was a final gesture of under-stated defiance. A point had been made. The challenge had been accepted. The mood had been well and truly set.