Imagine standing face-to-face with the legendary All Blacks as they perform their iconic haka, a ritual steeped in tradition and intimidation. Now, picture England’s rugby team not just standing there, but boldly reshaping their formation mid-haka, turning a straight line into a defiant V—or was it a C? This is the moment that sparked both admiration and controversy, and it turns out, Jamie George was the mastermind behind it all. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: George didn’t just pull this move out of thin air; he drew inspiration from England’s 2019 World Cup semi-final victory, a game that left the rugby world in awe. Yet, he admits, it was a risky strategy—like poking a sleeping bear—but one that paid off with England’s first home win over the All Blacks in 13 long years.
George revealed he was the architect of England’s response, which began with the team lining up as usual before dramatically shifting into the V-shape. As the eldest player, he positioned himself on one end, while Henry Pollock, the youngest, stood on the other. Captain Maro Itoje took center stage at the point of the V, though it arguably resembled more of a C. Pollock’s lip-licking reaction to the haka added a layer of cheekiness, leaving George and his teammates wondering if they’d made the right call by giving Pollock such a prominent role. After all, Pollock has a reputation for getting under opponents’ skin.
But here’s where it gets controversial: In 2019, England’s polished V-shaped response preceded a stunning victory over the All Blacks, propelling them to the World Cup final. However, they were fined because a few players crossed the halfway line, violating World Rugby regulations. This time, George and Pollock avoided such issues, though the All Blacks themselves edged closer to England’s formation during their haka. George admitted he wondered if tensions might escalate, reminiscent of the 1997 incident between Richard Cockerill and Norm Hewitt. Yet, he emphasized that the connection with the Twickenham crowd was a driving force behind their bold response.
“It’s a fine line,” George explained. “You don’t want to overcomplicate things, but you also want to make a statement. The idea was simple: oldest on one side, youngest on the other, with Maro in the middle. We were hesitant to give Henry such a big role—you never know what he’ll do! But I pitched the idea to Maro and Steve [Borthwick], and they were on board. Maro’s only condition? Minimal rehearsals.”
And this is the part most people miss: George wasn’t just recreating the 2019 formation; he was aiming to replicate the energy and connection with the fans at Allianz Park. “Starting in a flat line and then shifting into the V felt like a nod to the past while making it our own,” he said. “I loved how the All Blacks responded—it felt like one of those old-school, face-to-face moments. We talk a lot about connecting with the fans and making match days special, but backing it up with a strong performance is what truly matters.”
After the historic win, George urged his teammates to savor the moment, reminding them that victories like these become part of rugby lore. “Be present, enjoy it—this is history,” he said. “People still talk about 2012, about Manu Tuilagi’s try in the corner. We’ve given 82,000 fans in the stadium and millions watching at home something to celebrate. Why wouldn’t we make the most of it?”
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Was England’s response to the haka a respectful nod to tradition or a calculated move to unnerve their opponents? And does it matter, as long as it works? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
