New Zealand captain Scott Barrett says England prop Joe Marler has "loaded the gun" after his controversial call for the All Blacks haka to be scrapped.
The Harlequins veteran will miss England's autumn opener at Allianz Stadium on Saturday for personal reasons, but All Blacks second row Barrett said the damage had been done.
"He has probably loaded the gun hasn't he?" Barrett said on Friday in response to the row.
"I guess there are 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."
England are considering how they might respond to the haka in Saturday's encounter, but Barrett said his side "do not need any extra motivation".
"In those moments, whatever the team brings and you end up facing, you love it," added the 30-year-old.
"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."
England prop Ellis Genge, meanwhile, said he "loves" the haka and believes it still has a place in Test rugby.
"I'm on board with it, I love the haka," said the 29-year-old.
"We'll chat about it later on, we've got a meeting and we'll see what the craic is.
"We're not going to start climbing on each other's shoulders, but we'll sit there respectfully and watch it.
"I've only faced it once [in 2022]. It's massive in the history of the game. Most people who aren't necessarily too interested in rugby still know what the haka is.
"I know some people are divided on it but I quite like it. It's bit of a challenge. I'm a big fan of it and I don't think we should get rid of it.
"You should be able to respond, but everyone is respectful when they do that."
All Blacks Coach Responds To Marler's Comments
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, known as "Razor", dismissed Joe Marler’s claims that the haka should be scrapped, stating that the ritual is an essential part of New Zealand’s culture and identity.
“The haka is not just about the All Blacks, it is about New Zealand as a country, it means a lot to us,” he said.
Robertson acknowledged that Marler’s comments had already reached his players and the team was aware of the controversy, but he emphasized the importance of responding with respect. “We’ll discuss, and decide how we’ll deal with it. Respectfully,” he said.
All Blacks Captain Feels Disrespected
All Blacks captain Sam Cane, while maintaining a polite demeanor, conveyed a clear message of displeasure towards Marler’s comments. Cane highlighted the symbolic significance of the haka, pointing out that it is a sign of respect, not just in rugby matches but also in various cultural settings in New Zealand.
"In New Zealand when we perform the haka to someone it’s a sign of respect. It’s performed at 21sts, and at weddings. Yes, it’s about laying down a challenge, and it’s up to the opposition how they would like to perceive that challenge, but to us it’s a sign of respect." Cane implicitly suggested that Marler’s disregard for the tradition amounted to disrespecting the team and its cultural heritage.
All Blacks' Response to Marler's Comments Could Be a Motivating Factor
There is no doubt that Marler’s controversial comments have fuelled the fire of the All Blacks. Though Robertson insists his team doesn't need any extra motivation, there’s a clear sense of defiance within the squad. The clash at Twickenham is expected to be a high-stakes encounter, with the All Blacks determined to prove their dominance and assert their cultural pride. The haka, far from being a mere pre-match ritual, has now become a symbol of the team’s collective spirit and a potent reminder of Marler’s disrespectful remarks.
The English team, on the other hand, face a challenge of their own. They will have to navigate the backlash of Marler’s comments and find a way to focus on their own game. Their performance against the All Blacks will be a critical test of their resolve and their ability to remain composed under pressure.
The Importance of the Haka: More Than a Rugby Tradition
The haka is a powerful expression of Māori culture, encompassing a blend of tradition, ritual, and athletic prowess. The performance embodies the spirit of the All Blacks, representing their strength, unity, and pride.
For the All Blacks, the haka is a deeply personal and meaningful tradition, not just a pre-match performance. It symbolizes their connection to their heritage, their ancestors, and their national identity.
Marler's Comments Spark Debate About The Future of The Haka
Marler's comments have reopened the debate about the place of the haka in modern rugby. Some argue that the tradition should be preserved, while others believe it is outdated and should be phased out.
Those in favor of maintaining the haka argue that it is a vital part of the sport's history and culture. They believe it adds to the excitement and spectacle of rugby matches, and it is a symbol of the All Blacks' unique identity.
Critics of the haka, however, argue that it is a performative ritual that lacks true meaning. They believe it is outdated and does not reflect the spirit of modern rugby. They also argue that the tradition can be intimidating and disrespectful to opposing teams.
The future of the haka remains uncertain, but the debate surrounding it is a reminder of the cultural complexities that intertwine with the sport of rugby.
Marler's Apology, But Not Without Controversy
Joe Marler has since apologized for his comments on X, claiming he meant no malice in asking for the haka to be scrapped. He explained that he was simply advocating for a more level playing field, allowing the opposing team to respond to the haka without fear of sanctions.
However, the backlash from fans and players alike has demonstrated the deep offense caused by his remarks. His apology, though well-intentioned, may not be enough to fully appease the hurt feelings he inflicted.
A Test Of Cultural Respect
The England vs. New Zealand match at Twickenham is shaping up to be a highly charged affair. The controversy surrounding Marler’s comments will undoubtedly add an extra layer of tension and intrigue to the match. More than just a rugby encounter, it will be a test of cultural respect and understanding.
The All Blacks, fueled by a sense of disrespected pride, will be looking to deliver a resounding victory, while England will be seeking to overcome the distractions and demonstrate their own strength and resilience.
The match is set to be an intense and captivating spectacle, and the outcome will be a testament to the players' commitment, skill, and the spirit of competition that defines the sport of rugby.
