England star Henry Pollock divides fans with defiant gesture during New Zealand’s iconic pre-match Haka
Henry Pollock had England fans talking as he licked his lips while gazing at the Haka on Saturday afternoon.
Steve Borthwick’s team take on New Zealand at Twickenham and the All Blacks performed their iconic pre-match ritual as they faced off ahead of kick-off.
As the ceremonial dance began, England immediately marched forward and formed a semicircle around the halfway line.
The camera then moved to a few England players glaring at their opponents.
The teenager was definitely caught up in this situation as he moved towards Pollock.
Displaying a fierce gesture and grinning at the same time, Pollock began to mock his opponents by licking his lips.
Henry Pollock licked his lips as New Zealand performed their pre-match Haka on Saturday
England fans at Twickenham heard singing Rock Low, Sweet Car While trying to drown out the noise from the Haka.
And some fans on social media loved Pollock’s bravery, posting: ‘Henry Pollock put on his best “put the camera on me” face during the haka.’
Another added: “Look at Henry Pollock’s face during the haka” with a laughing emoji.
Another fan said: ‘Henry Pollock vs Haka. ‘Designed for the big stage,’ while another user humorously said: ‘Low Sweet Car Swing During Haka. Henry Pollock’s head is turned towards the All Blacks. Two teams face each other a few meters apart. How good. How beautiful!’
But others were less than impressed and immediately attacked the 20-year-old.
One said: ‘I hope the @AllBlacks absolutely crush this arrogant bunch from @EnglandRugby led by Henry Pollock!’
Another angry user said: ‘I hate attacking a child but Henry Pollock is really getting in my head.’
Another person later said: ‘Henry Pollock is licking his lips. “I understand why people hate this kid,” said one fan, adding: “Henry Pollock.” What***. ‘What was that during the haka?’
But others continued to defend the 20-year-old, with one adding: ‘Rugby fans: we really need to appeal to the younger generation and need players with personality. Rugby fans too: Henry Pollock couldn’t be said to be this extravagant and arrogant.’
England’s attempts to tackle the Haka come with several All Black opponents taking different stances towards the iconic ritual.
While many teams line up and observe this respectfully, there have been recent examples of teams trying to gain a psychological advantage; especially in the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.
Under World Rugby rules, challenged players were banned from crossing the midfield line, but England breached this and instead advanced towards the All Blacks in a V formation.
Referee Nigel Owens told England to stand down and England were later fined £2,000 for breaching tournament rules ‘related to cultural difficulties’.
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