sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

England Rugby Team Could Be Fined For Haka Face Off

England Rugby Team Could Be Fined For Haka Face Off

The tense stare down may have breached World Rugby's regulations

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

England's rugby team could be in hot water because of the v-shaped line they held in opposition to New Zealand's pre-match haka.

The national team formed a 'V' facing towards the All Black team ahead of their World Cup semi-final on Saturday (26 October).

However, their actions could lead to a fine after several of the players crossed the half way line of the pitch, which goes against the 'cultural ritual protocol'. World Rugby will decide if England will be fined today (28 October).

Footage of the tense moment has been doing the rounds on social media with fans posting stills of England captain Owen Farrell - stood at the centre of the 'V' - smirking across at the opposition as they perform their cultural ritual.

At the time, match officials could be seen asking several players - including Joe Marler, Billy Vunipola and Ben Youngs - to move back, but they refused to do so.

PA

France were fined £2,500 after doing a similar thing before the Rugby World Cup final in 2011.

Speaking about the tactic, Farrell said: "We knew we had to be in a radius behind them. We wanted to not just stand there and let them come at us. We wanted to be respectful but we didn't just want to stand in a flat line."

The bold move is believed to have been the brainchild of England's head coach Eddie Jones, who went on to see his side overcome the mighty All Blacks 19-7 in a tense semi-final at Yokohama's International Stadium.

Following the match, he said: "What we've done is earn another week in the comp which is great. I thought our tactical discipline was great, our defensive work rate was good. I thought when we had opportunities to attack, we attacked well.

"You want to go right to the death and we're in the death now. We've got another week to enjoy ourselves and work as a team. Our players made a commitment to each other that they'd enjoy the World Cup and I think we're seeing that.

PA

"Whenever you play against New Zealand, you're never happy. You might beat them on the scoreboard but you never really beat them. They kept coming at us and we needed to dig deep and a find a bit extra.

"We've come here to be the world's best and we haven't done that yet, so that's where we need to go."

Speaking after the gripping encounter, skipper Farrell said his players were happy with the win, but now the focus is already on the final.

He said: "It's a big game, a World Cup semi-final against the All Blacks - as big as you can get. We prepared well, and started the game well."

England will now go head to head with South Africa this weekend.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: New Zealand, Rugby, Rugby news, England, World Cup