England response to Haka sends rugby fans wild as star is seen LICKING LIPS during New Zealand routine
HENRY POLLOCK licked his lips while staring down the Haka before England’s clash against New Zealand on Saturday.
Steve Borthwick‘s side faced off against the Kiwis at Twickenham in the autumn internationals.
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England star Henry Pollock lipped his licks as New Zealand performed the Haka on SaturdayCredit: TNT Sports
Fans were driven wild by Pollock’s response to New Zealand’s iconic ritualCredit: TNT Sports
But before the game started, England had to embrace the iconic pre-match display from New Zealand.
And Pollock – who was experiencing his first ever game against New Zealand – certainly got stuck into the occasion.
As the visitors began the ritual, the flanker teased them by licking his lips to send rugby fans wild.
Some fans were delighted at Pollock’s boldness – while other scolded him for being disrespectful.
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One wrote: “Henry Pollock with his very best ‘put the camera on me’ face during the haka.”
Another said: “Henry Pollock needs to learn not to smile at the Haka. It never ends well.”
A third added: “Henry Pollock is talented, but his mannerisms are weird, why is he licking his lips now during the haka? These 2000s kids.”
And a fourth posted: “Henry Pollock wtf are you doing?”
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Pollock was scolded for disrespecting the HakaCredit: Reuters
Others posted the classic GIF of football legend Ronaldinho licking his lips before a game, comparing him to the Brazilian.
The gesture from Pollock ended up backfiring as England went 12-0 down in the opening 18 minutes.
Pollock, who started the game on the bench, has a reputation of winding up opponents during games.
The Northampton Saints star has been described by England captain Maro Itoje as “absolutely annoying” and “a pest”, while Courtney Lawes called him a “cocky little b*****d”.
Borthwick recently raved about Pollock after scoring two tries on his England debut against Wales, saying “he just comes on and wants to win”.
And after come on in a 25-7 win over Australia and scoring, he hailed the energy he transmitted on the pitch.
He said: “I think everybody’s excited by when Henry Pollock gets on the pitch, what he brings, I think there’s no doubt about that,” Borthwick told his post-match news conference.
“I think he’s probably the most excited person. I think the way he is and the energy he brings, he’s a ball of energy and I love having that character in the squad.
“I think we’ve got a great blend of personalities developing within the team and from the senior leadership group, I think [they] have done a great job this week.”
