England’s response to the haka should be encouraged, not penalised | Liam Napier


They added to the Rugby World Cup semi-final theatre against the All Blacks without overstepping the boundaries of decency

The V-shaped formation England went for in Yokohama, which emulated France’s response in the 2011 World Cup final at Eden Park, set the tone for their dominant semi-final victory over the All Blacks.

Sure, several players stepped over the halfway line and World Rugby probably feels duty-bound to fine England for breaching this rule, having done likewise with France eight years ago. It must also be acknowledged that officials were only doing their job in attempting to instruct England prop Joe Marler, and others, to move back behind the line. Those players knew exactly what they were doing.

Related: England could face fine following their response to New Zealand’s haka

Related: ‘We knew it would rile them’: Mako Vunipola on England’s haka response

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