Before a single whistle blew at Twickenham, 20-year-old Henry Pollock had already set tongues wagging—and not just his own.
As the All Blacks launched into their world-famous Haka, the England flanker stood front and centre with a bold stare, a tight smirk, and a cheeky lick of the lips that instantly divided viewers.
Borthwick’s side didn’t wait politely either.
The team marched forward into a tight semi-circle right on the halfway line, matching the intensity of New Zealand’s challenge with a presence of their own.
And at the heart of it all stood Pollock, wearing the expression of someone who relished every second of the confrontation.
A Ritual That’s Sparked Drama Before
Pollock isn’t the first to light up headlines over the Haka.
Rugby history is filled with teams trying to counter the All Blacks’ iconic ritual—sometimes respectfully, sometimes not so smoothly.
Most nations simply stand still and take it in.
But England? They’ve never been afraid to push boundaries.
The clearest example came during the 2019 World Cup semi-final, when England stepped into a dramatic V shape and edged too close to the Kiwi side.
Several players ended up drifting over the halfway line, which World Rugby specifically forbids during the Haka.
The result? A £2,000 fine… and a 19–7 win.
Even then-coach Steve Hansen admired the attitude, calling England’s bold approach “brilliant.”
Memories of Past Haka Showdowns
The Haka has produced plenty of unforgettable scenes over the years.
In 1991, Australian star David Campese famously ignored the whole thing, preferring to run through kicking drills instead.
Wales created their own slice of rugby folklore in 2008 by refusing to budge after the Haka until New Zealand finally gave in and stepped away.
And who could forget the French side linking arms and marching forward at Eden Park before the 2011 World Cup final? These moments have become part of the sport’s mythology—love them or hate them.
When Criticism Boils Over
Not everyone has admired the tradition. Just last year, Joe Marler caused volcanic outrage in New Zealand by calling for the Haka to be scrapped.
His blunt claim that it should be “binned” angered fans and even a few politicians.
He later back-pedalled, apologised publicly, and admitted the significance of the ritual had been poorly understood in his original remarks.
Marler eventually deleted his X account amid the backlash, only to reappear later with a more thoughtful message.
England Claim a Monumental Victory
All the tension and theatrics gave way to a commanding English performance as the hosts sealed a 33–19 victory—marking their tenth straight win and their first triumph over the All Blacks at Twickenham in 13 long years.
Even before kick-off, supporters tried to out-sing the Haka by belting out Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, adding even more fuel to the pre-match atmosphere.
Fans React to Pollock’s Pre-Match Antics
Social media exploded the moment cameras zoomed in on Pollock’s face. Some loved the swagger.
One fan joked, “Henry Pollock doing his best ‘put the camera on me’ expression—iconic.”
Another added, “Pollock vs the Haka. Built for the big stage.”
Others reveled in the theatre of it all: “The teams just metres apart, Swing Low in the background, Pollock staring down the All Blacks… beautiful.”
But not everyone appreciated the 20-year-old’s confidence.
Critics called him arrogant, irritating, even disrespectful.
One frustrated viewer declared, “I hope the All Blacks smash this arrogant bunch.”
Another fumed, “I get why people can’t stand this kid.”
Yet many defended him: “We keep saying rugby needs personality… then complain when someone actually shows some.”
So What Comes Next?
Between a daring pre-match stance, a high-stakes rivalry, and a statement victory, England’s next chapter feels wide open.
Pollock may have sparked a split reaction, but he’s undeniably added new life to the conversation around rugby’s oldest rituals—and stamped his name all over one of the season’s biggest nights.
Whenever the All Blacks and England clash again, you can bet fans will be watching the very first moments just as closely as the final score.
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