The Haka does the job… for England! Eddie Jones’ men stare down New Zealand’s infamous war dance before they score after just 98 seconds in their World Cup semi-final
- England decided to push close to the Kiwi players as they performed the Haka
- They lined up in formation as they watched, with the referee urging them back
- Owen Farrell smirked as he watched before England made a lightning start
- Manu Tuilagi scored a try after 98 seconds and Farrell converted for 7-0 lead
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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.
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
New Zealand carry out their famous war dance as they attempt to intimidate Eddie Jones’ men
England line up in a V formation as the observe the Haka, after being instructed to get back
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 as New Zealand readied their ancient ritual, instructing the team to push back, with Joe Marler looking particularly bemused.
The 29-year-old prop 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.
Billy Vunipola is told to step further away from New Zealand’s performance ahead of the semi
While New Zealand are the favourites to retain the World Cup in Japan this year, England’s bullish display before the dance 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.
And things got better for England as they extended their lead just before the interval as Tom Curry forced a penalty, with George Ford dispatching to put his team in control at 10-0 at the break.
Manu Tuilagi crashes down under the challenge of a number of New Zealand players