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England prop joe marler He has apologized after calling for an end to the haka.
Marler baited new zealand “The haka needs binning,” he wrote on social media site X on Tuesday night ahead of Saturday’s Autumn Nations series opener at the Allianz Stadium. This is ridiculous.”
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said Harlequins The forward, who left the England camp on Monday due to personal reasons and will not face New Zealand, could have chosen his words more carefully.
Marler returned to the Ax on Thursday night and said: “Hey rugby fans. I just wanted to come over here and apologize to any New Zealand fans I was upset by my poorly worded tweet earlier in the week.
“I mean no ill will in asking for this to stop, I just want to see the restrictions lifted to allow unsanctioned feedback.
“How good were the Cockerill/Hewitt, Campese, France ’07, Tokyo ’19 or Samoa vs England rugby league reactions? Create some entertaining drama before starting. My lame attempt at creating a debate around this was nonsense and I should have done better at explaining things.
“I am grateful for the education I have received about how important the haka is to New Zealand culture and hope others will have a better understanding of it.
“Now tune in on Saturday at 3pm for a mega rugby event. England by 6 points. I will now return to my attention-getting box. Big love x.”
Speaking earlier on Thursday, the England captain jamie george There were fears that Marler had provoked New Zealand and “provoked the bear” by calling for an end to the haka.
It is doubtful whether Marler will play a part in any of the remaining autumn fixtures against Australia, South Africa and Japan.
In an unexpected twist, it has emerged that the 34-year-old would still have made himself available against New Zealand even if starting loosehead prop Ellis Genge or replacement Finn Baxter were ruled out.
England had initially agreed to keep him on standby, only then to give notice to Trevor Davison that he would act as emergency cover in the unlikely event of Ganz or Baxter being unavailable.
Marler’s comments on the Māori war dance were met with sharp reaction in New Zealand, with Robertson reacting by calling it “the great tradition of rugby”.
George does not share the views of his controversial front-row colleague, who he suspects has provided extra motivation to the 2023 World Cup runners-up.
“Growing up as a big rugby fan, the haka was always something I enjoyed watching and I have been lucky enough to encounter it a few times. I love the history of it,” George said.
“Joe and I, we don’t always agree on everything, so we disagree on this certain topic. It’s classic Joe if I’m honest.
“He has always been a little close to the line in terms of some social media posts so there is nothing surprising with him. We’ve chatted a bit this week and I just said, ‘Cheers buddy, thanks so much!’
“This is a conversation Joe and I had about a week ago – thoughts on the haka, what we can do with it, all that kind of stuff. “I think he provoked the bear a little bit.”
England are planning a possible response to the All Blacks’ famous pre-match ritual as they look for their first win at Twickenham since 2012.
Eddie Jones’s England tackled the haka by adopting a V-shaped formation ahead of their spectacular victory in the 2019 World Cup semi-finals. Robertson described it as a “wonderful” way to approach the war dance.
“We will have a little chat about it, me and some senior players. But yes, something can happen,” George said.
“What I love about the haka at Twickenham is that you hear the noise and the theater that comes with it.
“It’s not just about our reaction. It’s the reaction from the fans – the excitement and cheering that goes along with it. This is what makes rugby special.
“I know you can do whatever you want for the haka, but fundamentally it will depend on how you go physically against the All Blacks and that is what we have to focus on.”
Assistant coach Kevin Sinfield insisted Marler is “doing fine” and hopes a clearer picture on his availability for the remaining matches of the autumn series will emerge over the weekend.
Marler has spoken extensively about his mental health issues and has not taken part in England camps due to his depression.