"Henry Pollock's starring role in England's response to the haka was designed by Jamie George, who revealed he took inspiration from the 2019 World Cup semi-final win and admitted they risked poking the bear before clinching a first home win over the All Blacks in 13 years. George admitted he was the brains behind England's decision to initially line up as usual while the All Blacks performed their traditional war dance before breaking out into a V-shape."
"As the eldest player in the squad, George was intentionally on one end with Pollock, the youngest, on the other. The captain Maro Itoje stood at the point of the V, which, in truth, looked more like a C-shaped formation. Pollock was seen licking his lips in response to the haka with George joking England had their doubts over allowing Pollock who has a habit of getting under opponents' skin such an important task."
Jamie George planned England's response to the All Blacks' haka, drawing inspiration from the 2019 World Cup semi-final. The team initially lined up as usual while the All Blacks performed, then broke into a V-shaped formation that resembled a C. George, as the eldest, positioned himself on one end with young Henry Pollock on the other and captain Maro Itoje at the point. Pollock reacted visibly during the haka. The 2019 V response previously riled New Zealand but led to a fine for players crossing the halfway line. Connection with the Twickenham crowd influenced the decision to respond.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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