LONDON — Following a week of intense discussion surrounding the haka, the All Blacks made headlines on Saturday during their match at Twickenham.

The debate was sparked when England’s prop, Joe Marler, took to social media to label New Zealand’s haka—a Maori ceremonial chant performed before games since 1888—as “ridiculous” and suggested it should be discarded.

Although Marler was not participating in the match against New Zealand, his comments stirred significant controversy. He later issued an apology, but All Blacks captain Scott Barrett noted that Marler’s remarks had already “loaded the gun” for further discussions on the topic.

England’s captain, Jamie George, promised a response to the haka, marking the third occurrence of this traditional performance in the year, yet the first time it was faced on home soil.

To the enthusiastic reception of a full Twickenham crowd, George led his team to the halfway line in an unmistakable gesture of acknowledgment while remaining within the parameters of World Rugby’s rules on cultural challenges.

In a breach of those regulations, the All Blacks advanced their haka forward, crossing their 10-meter line to come within five meters of the English team, an action that, while technically against the rules, was met with enthusiasm from the crowd.

Post-match, George expressed his thoughts. “This was something I had contemplated for several weeks,” he shared after New Zealand edged out England with a score of 24-22. “I had discussions with senior players, and with Steve (Borthwick, coach). This wasn’t just a reaction to Joe’s comments.

“I had actually discussed the idea with Joe, who enjoys stirring up conversation on social media, and I have to thank him for that. We aimed to respond to the haka respectfully. I noticed Scott Barrett smiling, and I was smiling too; it was all good-natured. The electric atmosphere was fantastic, and New Zealand’s advance just added to the overall spectacle. Everyone at the Allianz Stadium seemed to revel in it.”

Barrett shared similar sentiments, highlighting the charged environment before the match even commenced. “We anticipated a robust challenge, and the atmosphere was palpable. It was indeed a memorable moment,” he stated.