“I’m grateful for the education received on how important the Haka is to the New Zealand culture and hope others have a better understanding too. Now roll on 3pm on Saturday for a mega rugby occasion. England by 6pts [winking face with tongue emoji]. I’ll get back in my attention seeking box now. Big Love x”
George earlier on Thursday had defended the haka and distanced himself from Marler’s comments, saying he “really enjoyed” it and had consulted with forwards Chandler Cunningham-South and Ethan Roots, who have grown up in New Zealand, about how to appropriately respond to it.
“Growing up as a big rugby fan it was always something I enjoyed watching, and I’ve been lucky enough to face it a few times. I love the history of it. Joe and I, we don’t always agree on everything, so we disagree on this certain topic,” George explained.
“I’ve got a pretty good understanding of it having travelled New Zealand, of what New Zealand and Maori culture is. I have friends from the Pacific Islands that have explained to me pretty well what it’s all about, that’s it’s a challenge that you lay down. It’s a brilliant part of the game and a great spectacle.”
George revealed that he and Marler had discussed the haka and how England could best face it last week, with George adding that any response would need to be “respectful”.
“I guess he’s sort of prodded the bear a little bit,” George added. “It’s classic Joe if I’m honest. He’s always been a little bit close to the line, hasn’t he, I suppose, with certain social media posts. So nothing comes as a surprise with Joe.”
England confirmed that Marler was initially available as cover for this weekend’s test, but that is no longer the case with England now using Trevor Davison as a reserve for both sides of the scrum should any of Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Fin Baxter and Dan Cole drop out.
New Zealand head coach Robertson addressed Marler’s comments earlier on Thursday, ahead of the third meeting between England and New Zealand this year.
“I know Joe. I wonder if he wishes he could have articulated himself a little bit better on that,” said Robertson. “The haka for us is a custom. It is part of who we are, our DNA. You can welcome somebody, it is for celebrations, for joy, and also for challenge.
“We believe it is a great tradition of rugby, as it is for all Pacific nations. It honours where they have come from. It is not just about the All Blacks, it is about us as a country. It means a lot to us.
“I don’t have to pin [Marler’s comments] up on the wall when you’ve got social media. The boys are aware of it. We don’t use it as such to say, ‘this is what has been said and it’s disrespectful’. Especially in this regard, because it has happened before. But we will discuss it and decide how we deal with it respectfully.
“We’d have to dig a little bit deeper into [responses],” said Robertson.
“Obviously, it is the respect thing. What does it do respectfully, how do you create it as something that, when they have finished, how can you have a sign of respect. The crowd enjoy it, don’t they? It is a special occasion.
“Some clap, some put a plane over the top. Whatever it is, there is a lot of meaning behind it and it’s got to be meaningful and respectful.
“There was a clear meaning behind [England in 2019] and it was respectfully done. Awesome. That’s what we are all about.”
When asked whether New Zealand were expecting an English response on Saturday, Robertson added: “Whatever they come up with, we’ll face”.
