Henry Pollock captured the attention of rugby enthusiasts during England’s match against New Zealand on Saturday, sparking conversation with his bold display of confidence as he faced the Haka.
In a highly anticipated encounter at Twickenham, Steve Borthwick’s squad stood ready to confront the legendary All Blacks, who performed their renowned pre-match ritual. As the traditional Haka commenced, the England team advanced, forming a semi-circle at the halfway line, a strategic move to assert their stance.
With cameras capturing the intensity of the moment, various members of the England lineup were shown, each maintaining a steely gaze on their Kiwi adversaries. Among them, young Pollock stood out, fully embracing the charged atmosphere.
Displaying a mix of determination and playfulness, Pollock licked his lips while wearing a subtle smirk, a gesture that seemed to taunt the New Zealand team and demonstrated his readiness for the battle ahead.
As it moved along to Pollock, the youngster certainly got stuck into the occasion.
Pollock, who was displaying a fierce gesture and also had a smirk on his face, began to tease his opponents by licking his lips.
Henry Pollock licked his lips as New Zealand performed the Haka pre-match on Saturday
The All Blacks underwent the iconic ritual and England attempted to face off against them
England fans at Twickenham could also be heard singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot as they attempted to drown out the noise from the Haka.
And some fans on social media were loving Pollock’s boldness, with one posting: ‘Henry Pollock with his very best “put the camera on me” face during the haka.’
Another said: ‘Look at Henry Pollock’s face during The Haka,’ before they added a laughing emoji.
A further fan added: ‘Henry Pollock vs the Haka. Made for the big stage,’ before an additional user quipped: ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot during the Haka. Henry Pollock’s head facing the All Blacks. The two teams face to face just a few metres apart. How good it is. How beautiful it is!’
However, others were less than impressed and were quick to hit out at the 20-year-old.
One said: ‘I really do hope the @AllBlacks absolutely smash this arrogant bunch from @EnglandRugby led by Henry Pollock!’
Another irritated user chimed in with: ‘I hate to take a pop at a kid, but Henry Pollock really does do my head in.’
An extra individual then said: ‘Henry Pollock licking his lips. I get why people hate this kid,’ with one fan adding: ‘Henry Pollock. What a t***. What was that during the Haka?’
Pollock’s actions divided opinion on social media as fans rushed to comment on Saturday
Others did continue to defend the 20-year-old though, as one added: ‘Rugby fans: we really need to appeal to a younger generation and have players with personalities. Also rugby fans: Not like that, Henry Pollock is so overhyped and arrogant.’
England’s attempts to deal with the Haka comes with several All Black opponents having taken different stances in the face of the iconic ritual.
Although many teams stand in a line and respectfully observe it, there have been recent examples of teams trying to gain a psychological advantage, most notably in the World Cup semi-final in 2019.
Players receiving the challenge are banned from crossing the halfway line, as per World Rugby rules, but on that occasion England contravened those regulations, and instead advanced towards the All Blacks in a V formation.
Referee Nigel Owens told England to move back and they were later hit with a £2,000 fine for breaching tournament rules ‘relating to cultural challenges’, although they did win the game 19-7.
There was also significant controversy ahead of England’s clash against New Zealand last November.
Back then, Joe Marler, who was still playing at the time, hit the headlines after he labelled the Haka as ‘ridiculous’ and called for it to be ‘binned’.
Marler’s original post had said: ‘The Haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous.’
Last year Joe Marler caused controversy when he said the ‘ridiculous’ Haka should be ‘binned’
This infuriated the public and several politicians in New Zealand, with Marler’s ‘lack of appreciation for tradition’ slammed, while another figure accused him of having a low IQ.
Marler subsequently deleted his X account, before soon resurfacing on the platform – and he then later rowed back on his comments and expressed regret.
‘Hey rugby fans,’ he posted on X at the time. ‘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 (the haka) to be binned, just want to see the restrictions lifted to allow for a response without sanction.
‘How good were the Cockerill/Hewitt, Campese, France ‘07, Tokyo ‘19 or Samoa vs England rugby league responses? Create some entertaining drama before kick off. My flippant attempt at sparking a debate around it was s***house and I should have done better at explaining things.
‘I’m grateful for the education received on how important the Haka is to the New Zealand culture and hope others have a better understanding too. Now roll on 3pm on Saturday for a mega rugby occasion. England (to win) by 6pts. I’ll get back in my attention seeking box now. Big Love x.’
England went on to win Saturday’s encounter 33-19 following an impressive display as they secured their 10th successive victory.
