Joe Marler’s Haka comment sparks criticism from New Zealand

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has hit back at Joe Marler after the England prop called for the Haka to be scrapped.

Marler baited the All Blacks ahead of Saturday’s autumn opener at Allianz Stadium by writing on the social media site X on Tuesday night that “The Haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous.”

A follow-up post a day later included an emoji indicating he had been ‘fishing’ for a response but Robertson believes the 34-year-old, who left England’s camp on Monday for personal reasons and will not face the 2023 World Cup runners-up, could have chosen his words more carefully.

“I know Joe. I wonder if he wished he could have articulated himself a little bit better on that,” Robertson said at New Zealand’s team announcement press conference.

“The Haka for us is a custom. It’s a part of who we are. It’s our DNA. We believe it’s a great tradition of rugby.

“The crowd enjoy it and they know it’s a special occasion because how often do we come up here?

“All Pacific Nations do it beforehand to honour where they come from. It’s not just about the All Blacks, it’s about us as a country so it means a lot to us.”

As part of the same social media post, Marler added: “It’s only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the league boys did last week.”

The Harlequins front row was referencing England rugby league player Mikey Lewis, who went head-to-head with Samoa’s Gordon Chan Kum Tong when their equivalent Siva Tau war dance was being performed before their clash in Wigan on Sunday.

Eddie Jones’ England took on the Haka before their stunning 2019 World Cup semi-final victory over New Zealand by their players adopting a V-shape formation. Robertson described it as an “awesome” response.

“It had a clear meaning and it was respectfully done. It’s great, it’s what we’re all about. The response has got to be meaningful and respectful. Whatever they come up with on Saturday we’ll face,” he said.

Marler’s comments provoked a backlash in New Zealand including from David Seymour, leader of the political party ACT which is part of the coalition government.

“I love the Haka. It wouldn’t be the All Blacks if they didn’t do the Haka,” Seymour told reporters outside Parliament.

“Who is this Joe Marler guy? I’ve never heard of him. An English prop? Well in my experience there are very few props with high IQ. It could be something in that area.”

Mana Epiha, a cultural advisor who works in Maori broadcasting, claimed Marler was “a little bit lost”.

“If he doesn’t like it, that is probably a good thing. That is not for people to like, it’s for people to tremble in their boots,” Epiha told reporters.

“It’s definitely something that brings about beautiful feelings of our ancestors’ warrior spirits.”