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English football star mocks haka as World Rugby makes epic fail

New Zealand perform the haka head of pool clash with Canada. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

NZ Herald

English football legend Gary Lineker took shots at the haka after the All Blacks dominant performance against Canada last night, but it’s World Rugby’s response on Twitter that has punters scratching their heads.

After the All Blacks performed the haka before their 63-0 demolition of Canada, Lineker tweeted: “Must be so hard not to just laugh at this if you’re the opposition.”

https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1179380044931719169

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The official Rugby World Cup account then attempted a takedown of the famous footballer, writing: “But they have won the World Cup three times…one would be nice eh?”

Which would be a fair comment if England hadn’t taken the Webb Ellis Trophy but as anyone with a passing interest in rugby will tell you, they have.

https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1179387822287052800

England took out the prize in 2003, beating Australia after they defeated the All Blacks in the semifinal.

Twitter users were quick to leap on the embarrassing mistake, with one man writing: “Is the work experience lad in charge of the official Rugby World Cup twitter feed today?”

More criticism was levelled at Lineker’s original tone-deaf tweet, including from media commentator Piers Morgan, an ardent Arsenal supporter, who took a swipe at Lineker’s former club Tottenham Hotspur.

“The Haka is one of the greatest spectacles in sport, and of huge cultural importance in New Zealand,” Morgan wrote. “Weird that you would mock it.”

One user said: “I’d delete this one Gary, if you don’t understand the culture behind it… this can be seen as disrespectful.”

Another commented: “The fact that Lineker doesn’t see this post as racist is frightening. Hang your head in shame Gary.”

Lineker replied to the criticism, writing: “Just a bit bored by it now. How would a dance in anyway intimidate a sportsman. Their rugby ability is another matter entirely but the Haka…. nah.”

Lineker failed to win the football World Cup in either of his two appearances in 1986 and 1990, though he did win the Golden Boot for most goals in 1986.

This article first appeared on the NZ Herald and is re-published with permission here

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Mzilikazi 4 hours ago
Matt Faessler: ‘To be involved in a home World Cup would be just next level’

Thanks for the article, Brett. I must say I am disappointed that the Reds have lost both games against the two top teams from NZ they have played so far this year. I feel they should be more advanced under Les Kiss and his coaching team in what is now the second year of tenure.


The lineout, which you highlight in the article, is an obvious standout. Matt Faessler is shaping as a standout finisher of mauls, but that ability is wasted if the throw/lift/catch element is a shambles.


Also very disappointing so often is the ability to spread the ball wide using the “out the back” type passes well. Just watch Scotland, even currently weak Wales, to see the level of sophistication in this area that can be achieved.


In the final analysis, the breakdown work is not as good as all the NZ sides achieve with apparent ease. Their scrum halves so often have an “armchair ride” compared to our 9’s, who deal with slow and often scrappy ball. And I would say this applies to all our Australian sides, not only the Reds.


Not being one eyed on Qld, I am also disappointed to see the Waratahs not performing as one would have hoped, given the strength of their roster now. Ofc, one must also look at the injury toll effect on all teams.


And there is no question, on the positive side of this years competition, how very competitive all teams can be on their day. Mona Pacifica are looking more than just competitive now, but the Highlanders are are much better team than last year, as are the Force.


I find the background bits on players great reading always. and your recounting of Matt Faessler’s grandfather’s exploits is just up my street. Keep writing for us, please !!

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