England's bold move: A strategic response to the haka
In a recent revelation, Jamie George, the mastermind behind England's unique approach to the All Blacks' haka, has shared the story behind their provocative formation. This move, designed to ignite the crowd and rouse the team, has sparked curiosity and controversy alike.
George, the eldest player, took inspiration from England's 2019 World Cup semi-final victory, where they first employed a V-shaped response. He admitted that the decision to line up traditionally and then break into a V was a calculated risk, one that paid off with a historic win over the All Blacks after 13 years.
But here's where it gets interesting: George strategically positioned himself on one end of the V, with Henry Pollock, the youngest player, on the other. Captain Maro Itoje stood at the point, creating a unique C-shaped formation. This arrangement was intentional, with George acknowledging the potential for Pollock to get under the opponents' skin.
In 2019, England's response was more refined, leading to a stunning victory over the All Blacks. Mako Vunipola later confirmed their strategy, saying, "we knew it would rile them up." However, England faced a fine for crossing the halfway line, a violation of World Rugby regulations.
George and Pollock's formation during the 2025 match was executed flawlessly, with the All Blacks edging towards them during the haka. George wondered if a repeat of the 1997 incident, where Richard Cockerill faced off with Norm Hewitt, would occur. He credited the Twickenham crowd's energy as a key factor in their decision to respond.
"The idea was simple: oldest on one side, youngest on the other. I was on one side, Pollock on the other, with Maro in the middle. We were hesitant to give Pollock such a role, given his reputation."
George's strategy was a delicate balance, knowing that the All Blacks might not respond to the provocation. He consulted with Maro Itoje and Steve Borthwick, who approved the idea. Itoje's condition? "No excessive rehearsals."
"We wanted to recreate the magic of 2019, especially since we hadn't done it at Allianz. Starting in a flat line and then forming the V seemed cool. I expected a strong response, and I thought it'd be a throwback to the old days. We talk a lot about connecting with the fans, and this was a special moment."
George urged his teammates to celebrate their historic win, becoming only the ninth England side to defeat the All Blacks. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment, knowing that their victory would be remembered.
"When I spoke to the boys, I reminded them that people still talk about 2012, about Manu, and Barritt's try. We wanted to give our fans, both in the stadium and watching at home, a moment to remember. Why not celebrate?"
And this is the part most people miss: England's response was not just about the formation. It was about the connection with the fans, the energy of the crowd, and the team's determination to back up their bold move with an even bolder performance.
What do you think? Was England's response a brilliant strategy or a risky move? Let us know in the comments!
