Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Respect haka, Henry warns England

ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND
Venue: Twickenham Date: Saturday, 29 November Kick-off: 1430 GMT Coverage: Live on Sky Sports and BBC Radio 5 Live. Highlights on BBC Three (Saturday, 1910 GMT) and BBC Two (Sunday, 1510 GMT), BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website. Live text commentary on BBC Sport website

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Wales face down All Blacks' Haka

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has urged England to respect the haka when the teams meet on Saturday in the final game of the All Blacks' tour.

Last week Wales' response was to stand still and stare out their opponents, which upset some New Zealand players.

"They thought that was the best way to respond, I just wanted to know when the game was going to start," said Henry.

"I hope there's no copycat situation. It was interesting at the time but it's time to move on and be sensible."

It took the intervention of New Zealand captain Richie McCaw to end the stand-off in Cardiff, and Wales were soon made to pay the price for their behaviour as they were crushed 29-9.

People back home will have been hurt by what they decided to do. Standing in the way like they did is asking for a fight

Ma'a Nonu
Centre Ma'a Nonu was one of those who did not appreciate Wales' response, and has warned England against trying to do anything similar.

"What the Welsh did wound us up. They were probably told by (Wales coach) Warren Gatland to stand there and wait until we leave," he said.

"But it was really hard. The haka is a war dance. If you're going to stand there like that then in the past people would have charged, but it's a rugby match and you can't do that.

"People back home will have been hurt by what they decided to do. Standing in the way like they did is asking for a fight.

"My blood pressure was pretty high but then I regained my composure. I was a bit upset about it.

"If England want to do that they can - but they'll probably get the same response."

606: DEBATE
One person who is all too aware of the symbolic importance of the haka is England centre Riki Flutey.

The London Irish centre is one of two New Zealand-born players in the England squad, along with replacement hooker Dylan Hartley.

Flutey has led the haka when he played for the New Zealand Maori, but will be confronted with it from a team including former Wellington Hurricanes team-mates such as Nonu, Conrad Smith and Rodney So'oialo.

"At school level you come up against hakas every week and I suppose seeing my old team-mates perform the haka in front of me will be quite special," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing the passion and everything about the haka.

"With my experience, the moment the team disrespects it or turns its back to it. that just lifts the team that are doing the haka up hugely.

"I think going into this game that England have always respected the haka and can stand tall and proud facing it."

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