Scott Barrett says Joe Marler’s Haka comments have ‘loaded the gun’

New Zealand captain Scott Barrett has warned England that Joe Marler has “loaded the gun” through his inflammatory comments on the Haka.

Marler has riled the All Blacks ahead of Saturday’s clash at Allianz Stadium by using social media to call for the pre-match Maori war dance to be “binned”, adding that it was “ridiculous”.

The veteran prop, who is not involved in the autumn opener for personal reasons, has since apologised for the remarks, but Barrett suggests the damage has already been done.

“He has probably loaded the gun hasn’t he?” the second row said after New Zealand’s final training session on Friday.

Hey rugby fans. Just wanted to jump on here and say sorry to any New Zealand fans I upset with my poorly articulated tweet earlier in the week. I meant no malice in asking for it to be binned, just want to see the restrictions lifted to allow for a response without sanction. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/Nbft2DIyhf

— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) October 31, 2024

“I guess there always opinions about the Haka and its place. It’s hugely important to us and has been to the All Blacks for a long time. We get a lot from it.

“It’s been a huge part of the All Blacks. It’s bigger than rugby in a sense. You speak to people from America and lesser known rugby nations and they know rugby in New Zealand for the Haka, so it is huge for us and unites us.”

England are considering what their response will be – if any – when the Haka is performed in the first of four Tests at Twickenham this month.

“In those moments, whatever the team brings and you end up facing, you love it,” he said.

Eyes on Twickenham