England defeated New Zealand in a huge autumn international showdown at Allianz Stadium Twickenham on Saturday afternoon. But the home crowd were blasted ahead of kick-off due to their reaction to the haka. England welcomed New Zealand to their home stadium for their third match of their autumn international campaign. Steve Borthwick’s side started the series with a 25-7 victory over Australia at the start of the month, before overcoming Fiji 38-18 last weekend. And they were in high spirits ahead of the showdown with the All Blacks.
Following the national anthems, the New Zealand players stood waiting to perform their customary haka near to the halfway line. And the England players positioned themselves in a flying V shape ready to witness the dance. Then, as the haka got underway, England fans in the stands belted out Swing Low, Sweet Chariot as the hosts attempted to make the Twickenham environment hostile.
Not everyone was best pleased with the reactions, however, with many watching of the opinion that the crowd disrespected the haka.
“How embarrassing that you’re into rugby but will support being disrespectful through the haka,” exclaimed @francescajayne_ on X (formerly Twitter).
And @tonymurphy90 penned: “I’m disgusted with English rugby supporters showing such disrespect for the All Blacks Haka. Shocking behaviour.”
Meanwhile, @BoxFreshLitha wrote: “All Blacks please do me a favour and smash these guys, crazy disrespect on the haka.”
But other fans defended England’s actions, with @YNWA15 stating: “England’s Red Roses always have a perfect way to respond to New Zealand’s HAKA.”
Fellow rugby fan @JPearce_JP commented: “I’ll say one thing for the Twickenham set when it comes to England vs NZ matches. They do properly respond to the Haka in real time vs the unnecessarily timid response & OTT reverence so many other crowds give it.”
And @Andrew_B1971 simply joked: “What’s with the shape of England’s line-up facing the haka?”
England endured a miserable start against the three-time World Cup champions as Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor crossed for the visitors inside the first 18 minutes.
Ollie Lawrence then hit back with a try of his own after 25 minutes as Borthwick’s men tried to make a game of it.
New Zealand dominated the first half as England found themselves under pressure for large spells. But the hosts refused to back down as their defence stood up to the challenge of facing one of the best sides in the world. And England kept the scoreboard ticking over as George Ford kicked a couple of drop goals quick succession just before the break to reduce New Zealand’s lead to 12-11.
