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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Cathy Owen

England face down All Blacks' haka amid tense scenes as Owen Farrell smirk gets big reaction

Owen Farrell's face says it all.

He smirked and looked very relaxed as he and his teammates faced down the haka by forming a V formation.

The haka can cause controversy, especially in big tournaments like the  Rugby World Cup 2019  in Japan.

Some rugby fans reckon it gives the All Blacks an unfair advantage, one Irish pundit said this week that   , and former England hooker Brian Moore declared he is 'bored' with it.

England's tactics in the semi-final game against New Zealand obviously worked as a few minutes later the took the lead with a try. You can follow live updates on the game here.

Rugby fans loved it, with one saying: "England choosing not to bow at the altar of the haka was beautiful."

Another said: "Good response to the Haka, and great start to the game by England - pity IRL couldn’t do that last weekend."

New Zealand perform the Haka as England look on (PA)

Others suggested that the England team should have responded with a Morris dance.

The haka is one of rugby’s great spectacles when New Zealand put out the challenge to their rivals in the form of the Maori dance, complete with gestures, facial expressions and loudly roared words.

England and New Zealand fans sing and make their way to stadium
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