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The Scott Barrett verdict on Joe Marler's haka apology

By PA
New Zealand skipper Scott Barrett (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

New Zealand captain Scott Barrett has warned England that Joe Marler has “loaded the gun” through his inflammatory comments on the haka. Marler has riled the All Blacks ahead of Saturday’s clash at Allianz Stadium by using social media to call for the pre-match Maori war dance to be “binned”, adding that it was “ridiculous”.

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The veteran prop, who is not involved in the autumn opener for personal reasons, has since apologised for the remarks, but Barrett suggested that the damage had already been done. “He has probably loaded the gun, hasn’t he?” the second row said after New Zealand’s final training session on Friday.

“I guess there always opinions about the haka and its place. It’s hugely important to us and has been to the All Blacks for a long time. We get a lot from it. It’s been a huge part of the All Blacks. It’s bigger than rugby in a sense. You speak to people from America and lesser known rugby nations and they know rugby in New Zealand for the haka, so it is huge for us and unites us.”

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New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson chatted to Lawrence Dallaglio ahead of the Autumn Nations Series clash against England. Watch the full interview on RugbyPass TV.

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All Blacks coach Scott Robertson on what to expect from England | RPTV

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson chatted to Lawrence Dallaglio ahead of the Autumn Nations Series clash against England. Watch the full interview on RugbyPass TV.

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England are considering what their response will be – if any – when the haka is performed in the first of four Tests at Twickenham this month. “In those moments, whatever the team brings and you end up facing, you love it,” he said.

“If they walk forward it means they are up for the first whistle. If that happens, we know we are in for a good Test match. We don’t need any extra motivation heading to Twickenham against a team that would desperately love to beat us so we have got to respect what is coming.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
1
Draws
1
Wins
3
Average Points scored
20
19
First try wins
60%
Home team wins
60%

There have been only two Tests between the rivals in London over the last decade, giving Saturday’s clash scarcity value. The All Blacks won their summer series 2-0 but the collisions in Dunedin and Auckland were hard fought, with only eight points separating the sides across both games.

“England haven’t had a Test match since they played us in July so they will have that stone in their shoe that they have been carrying for a while and they will be keen to shake that off with a good performance,” Barrett said.

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“Up-front they always pose a threat – George Martin, Jamie George, Maro Itoje. They have got a strong connection there. If they get gainline and fast ball for Marcus Smith and the backs they have, you can end up chasing the game. So it’s about controlling the breakdown and getting good ball. It will be an arm wrestle.”

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Comments

12 Comments
W
Willie 29 days ago

I would concentrate on the rugby rather than the over used war dance.

b
by 29 days ago

Much ado about nothing.

R
RedWarrior 29 days ago

Watch out England. The gun is loaded!


Act 1: "Joe Marler 'insults' and says bin the Haka"

Act 2: "Jamie George says Joe Marler shouldn't have insulted the Haka"

Act 3: "Joe Marler apologizes for insulting the Haka"

Act 4: "The Scott Barrett verdict on Joe Marler's haka apology"


Similar Pantomime with SA in the RC. The Haka stuff is getting tiresome. Can Joe Marler not have an opinion on it without the Spanish Inquisition?

H
Head high tackle 29 days ago

Can Joe Marler not have an opinion on it.......

S
SadersMan 29 days ago

The Home Unions & their haka obsession is weird. With a combined test record against us of 16 wins from a total of 151 tests played, I'd focus on the rugby not silly distractions. Focus lads, focus.

R
RedWarrior 29 days ago

It's NZ-ers who are obsessed with the Haka. Same nonsense down in Johannesburg with toys everywhere over another apparent slight. Non home Unions there were there?

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M
Mzilikazi 4 hours ago
'Welsh regional rugby has failed conclusively and there is no way back'

Thanks for the very comprehensive response, Rob. I have held off responding till I had seen the match v the WB's, and had a better look at Sam. I was interested that you knew him at Uni, played with him.


I thought overall he had a very good game. Was especially impressed by his passing, the timing and accuracy. Very good long passer. He kicks well out of hand, and strikes the ball well off the tee. His one miss could have been costly, but I would not put too much on that.


I did feel he did not pose a running threat, did to carry into contact enough, so the WB's defence was spared that worry.


I fully agree with you that Cullen now needs to give Sam and extended run at 10 for Leinster, not necessarily starting him in every game, but making sure he always gets significant game time, week in, week out.


I'm interested in your comment "if he had a bit more pace he’d have the potential to have sextons brains and bods skills." That would be some combination !


I also had a look at his background. I knew he was a Newbridge College lad, and see he played for them in the Cup Campaign that was never finished due to Covid restrictions. I remember that year well....pity as that was an all Kildare Final, with Clongowes the opponent. The big Dublin schools for once not featuring.


Same happened up in Ulster, two schools outside Belfast in the Final...Wallace and Armagh Royal. I follow Armagh from out here in Qld, as Kenny Hooks(6 caps for Ireland) had built a small school up to being one of the best in Ulster over 40 plus years coaching there. I coached Kenny for five years...Medallion/U 15 and first XV.. at Bangor GS.


Signing off, just hope and pray Sam Prendergast remains free of any serious injury, and we see him develop over the next 10 plus years.

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