Defiant England players break rules by lining up in formation during All Blacks haka at World Cup

England players were defiant as New Zealand prepared to perform the Haka – with Eddie Jones’ men lining up in formation and moving as close as possible to the All Blacks before the crucial World Cup semi-final.

The referee even had to warn Joe Marler and his team-mates to move back in order to allow the Kiwis to carry out their famous routine before the crucial semi-final.

England were clearly eager to ensure the Haka didn’t affect them psychologically ahead of the huge clash, and captain Owen Farrell was even seen smirking as the New Zealand players began.

Aussie rugby icon Gordon Bray told Network 10: ‘I haven’t seen that before’. 

The referee even had to warn Joe Marler and his team-mates to move back in order to allow the Kiwis to carry out their famous routine before the crucial semi-final

England looked to have prepared for New Zealand’s Haka before the game, opting to face up to the Kiwis by assembling in a V shape – with a handful of players standing further away towards where their opponents were huddled.

But officials weren’t happy with how close the players were standing to the opposition as they readied their ancient ritual, instructing the team to push back, with Joe Marler looking particularly bemused.

The 29-year-old slowly wandered backwards as England eventually complied, but Farrell, keen not to give the Kiwis the other hand, viciously stared them down – offering a smirk as they started the Haka.

Commentators were left stunned as they watched the incident unfold.

‘Here’s something new, the referees are asking them to go back over the half way line,’ Wallaby great Tim Horan said.

England were clearly eager to ensure the Haka didn’t affect them psychologically ahead of the huge clash, and captain Owen Farrell was even seen smirking as the New Zealand players began

England captain Owen Farrell stares down the Haka as his players face up to the famous dance

‘The English aren’t moving.’

England star Owen Farrell was also spotted smirking at the All Blacks during the haka.

All Blacks legend Andrew Mehrtens said the English tactic would have surprised the All Blacks.

‘New Zealand would have been a little bit surprised, but I like it,’ Mehrtens told the BBC.

‘The All Blacks don’t want people to be prescribed to, and just sit there and take it. I thought that was fantastic from England.’

According to World Rugby rules, teams must stand at least 10 metres apart during the Haka performance. However, this was introduced as a safeguard after several attempts to unnerve the All Blacks in years gone by.

As the All Blacks began their ceremonial war cry, Irish fans were heard blaring the lyrics to Irish folk ballad The Fields Of Athenry

Rugby commentators labelled England’s move “provocative”. However, other international commentators at the Rugby World Cup said England should have been allowed to express themselves however they wanted in response to the All Blacks’ traditional war cry challenge.

While New Zealand are the favourites to retain the World Cup in Japan this year, England’s bullish display before the Haka appeared to have had an immediate impact, as they made a lightning-fast start in Yokohama.

With just 98 seconds gone, England burst through and Manu Tuilagi collected from a ruck, driving his way through a horde of bodies to crash over the line.

Owen Farrell then converted to give his side a 7-0 lead in an extraordinary start.

The incident comes just days after Irish fans caused a stir during the pre-game shenanigans. 

As the All Blacks began their ceremonial war cry, Irish fans were heard blaring the lyrics to folk ballad The Fields Of Athenry. 

Fans had a mixed reaction to the move and took to Twitter saying the English should have either moved or didn’t.