England’s showdown with New Zealand this afternoon marks the fifth meeting between the sides since that unforgettable haka standoff in 2019 — and the tension is building again ahead of another blockbuster at Twickenham.
Both teams arrive at HQ unbeaten in this year’s Autumn Series.
England have dispatched Australia and Fiji, while the All Blacks have taken care of Ireland and Scotland, setting the stage for a clash that almost always delivers fireworks.
It’s the first time the two rugby giants have met since last year’s nail-biting 24–22 All Blacks win at Twickenham — but the pre-match drama from 2019 still hangs over the fixture like rugby folklore.
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The 2019 Semi-Final: England’s V-Formation That Shook the Rugby World
Five years ago in Yokohama, England lit the fuse before a ball was even kicked. As the All Blacks launched into their iconic haka, Owen Farrell’s side refused to simply stand and watch.
Instead, England broke protocol and marched into a bold V-shape, spreading wide across the pitch. Several players — Joe Marler, Ben Youngs, Elliot Daly, Billy Vunipola, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Mark Wilson — even drifted into New Zealand’s half, forcing referee Nigel Owens to push them back.
World Rugby were not amused and slapped England with a £2,000 fine for breaching haka-challenge rules.
The response from Eddie Jones’ men?
A 19–7 victory and a place in the World Cup final.
Farrell later explained the decision:
“We didn’t just want to stand in a flat line and let them come at us.”
Manu Tuilagi added that Eddie Jones masterminded the V-shape:
“Everyone wanted to show we were ready and together. Eddie suggested doing something different.”
England Weren’t the First – Other Iconic Haka Responses
England’s standoff joined a long list of teams who refused to simply watch the haka from a safe distance. Their move may have been bold — but history is littered with equally defiant, iconic and sometimes controversial replies.
France’s Famous ‘V’ – 2011 World Cup Final
England weren’t the first to try the V.
France marched right up to the haka in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, forming an arrow-head shape and crossing the halfway line. The IRB fined them £2,500 — but the message was unmistakable.
Thierry Dusautoir later joked they got so close “they wanted to kiss the New Zealanders.”
Wales’ Anthem Standoff – 1905 “Match of the Century”
One of the earliest and most powerful responses came way back in 1905.
As the All Blacks completed the haka at Cardiff Arms Park, Welsh winger Teddy Morgan began singing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. The entire stadium joined in.
It was spine-tingling, historic — and widely believed to be the first time a national anthem was sung before a sporting event.
Ireland’s U-Formation – Modern Defiance
In a recent Autumn Nations Series clash, Ireland walked forward during the haka and shaped themselves into a tight U-curve, prompting gasps from the crowd. Some players even wore smiles, adding a psychological edge to the moment.
Wealthiest Rugby Couples in 2025 (Ranked 10-1)
From business ventures and endorsements to philanthropy and royal connections, these power couples exemplify success in every arena.
Here’s a look at the top 10 wealthiest rugby couples in 2025, ranked from the humblest fortunes to the largest bank accounts.
Wealthiest Rugby Couples:
10. David Pocock & Emma Palandri – £1.5 million
Former Australian rugby star David Pocock and his wife, Emma Palandri, have diversified their wealth through post-rugby careers. Pocock is now an Australian senator, while Palandri co-founded social enterprise projects focusing on sustainable development.
9. Nigel Owens & Barrie Jones-Davies – £2 million
Nigel Owens, Welsh former rugby referee, is a motivational speaker, commentator, and farmer. Together with his partner, Barrie Jones-Davies, they’ve cultivated a modest fortune built on Owens’ post-rugby ventures.
8. Owen Farrell & Georgie Farrell – £3 million
England captain Owen Farrell and his wife, Georgie Farrell, an events manager, have accumulated a solid fortune through rugby salaries and personal business ventures.
7. Bryan Habana & Janine Viljoen – £8 million
South African rugby legend Bryan Habana and entrepreneur Janine Viljoen have grown their wealth through sports, media appearances, and business initiatives.
From business ventures and endorsements to philanthropy and royal connections, these power couples exemplify success in every arena.
6. Siya & Rachel Kolisi – £10 million
World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi and Rachel Kolisi, co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation, are currently navigating a divorce. Their combined wealth stems from rugby, endorsements, and philanthropic ventures that uplift underprivileged communities.
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