‘He knew’: England supporters go wild for captain Owen Farrell’s ‘smirk’ during New Zealand’s Haka before helping to stun the All Blacks in World Cup semi-final victory
- England beat New Zealand 19-7 to reach World Cup final for first time since 2007
- Captain Owen Farrell smirked as All Blacks performed pre-game Haka routine
- England were told to move back by officials as side closed in on Maori war dance
England captain Owen Farrell’s cheeky smirk during New Zealand’ pre-game Haka has captured the hearts of the nation after their famous defeat of the All Blacks sent Eddie Jones’ side to the World Cup final for the first time since 2007.
England ran out 19-7 winners in Yokohama and produced one of the greatest performances in the history of professional rugby – but Farrell’s moment of magic will live long in the memory.
As New Zealand performed their traditional Maori war dance before kick-off, England players encroached on the routine, and had to be held back by officials, with Farrell flashing a smirk as he looked on.
England captain Owen Farrell stares down the Haka as his players face up to famous routine
Fans, pundits and celebrities alike were quick to pick up on Farrell’s cheek, with many suggesting it spurred England on to the win and set the tone for their outstanding performance.
Piers Morgan tweeted: ‘He knew’, along with a picture of the now-famous Farrell smirk.
The England captain said after the historic win: ‘It’s a big game. World Cup semi-final against the All Blacks, the biggest game you can get.
‘We prepared well and started well.’
Both side’s captains – Farrell and Kieran Read – shared respect at the end of a pulsating game
‘We’ve got a number of ways of playing, a powerful pack but we can use the ball as well and tonight we did that well,’ Farrell continued.
‘It’s brilliant to get there, to be a part of it. We’ll enjoy this win but we’ll make sure we prepare well now.
‘All these big games teams get physical and go at each other from the off and we wanted to make sure were playing that game too.’
Owen Farrell put in a heroic display as England beat three-time world champions New Zealand
Other social media users praised Farrell not just for his smirk and overall display, but England’s brave attitude in showing the All Blacks they weren’t scared of the Haka.
@LouiseMensch tweeted: ‘This was actually brilliant, and part of the psychological warfare that the Haka represents. #AllBlacks taken aback. Our boys make own visual, V for Victory. Owen Farrell’s confident, amused face. Undermined NZ before the whistle even blew.’
England will be joined in the final next Saturday by the winner of South Africa and Wales, who play in the second semi-final tomorrow.