They added to the Rugby World Cup semi-final theatre against the All Blacks without overstepping the boundaries of decency
The V-shaped formation England went for in Yokohama, which emulated France’s response in the 2011 World Cup final at Eden Park, set the tone for their dominant semi-final victory over the All Blacks.
Sure, several players stepped over the halfway line and World Rugby probably feels duty-bound to fine England for breaching this rule, having done likewise with France eight years ago. It must also be acknowledged that officials were only doing their job in attempting to instruct England prop Joe Marler, and others, to move back behind the line. Those players knew exactly what they were doing.
Written by Liam Napier
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/oct/28/england-response-haka-encouraged-not-penalised-new-zealand-rugby-world-cup under the title “England’s response to the haka should be encouraged, not penalised | Liam Napier”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
