Haka.

All Blacks captain has told Eddie Jones and England they can “do what they want” after the head coach took a pop at New Zealand’s pre-game Haka earlier this week.

Insisted it would be the last thing on his mind as kick-off approached when asked about the war dance and its significance before the game.

“At that stage of the game, they could be playing the Spice Girls and I wouldn’t know what’s being played,” Jones said. 

“They’re making a comeback aren’t they, the Spice Girls?,”

“Maybe they could sing at that time. It’s got no relevance to me at all,”

Read said the haka is a challenge to the other team, but for him, it’s more about connecting the team. He also invited England and any other opposition to do whatever they want while it’s being performed.

“We do the haka as a challenge but it is more about us connecting as a team. ” Read said

“The opposition can do what they like. It’s part of the history of the game for us as New Zealanders. 

“I certainly get a kick out of it and I’m sure the crowd does as well. Whether they sing or what, it adds to the atmosphere.

“For me it’s a great part of the game,”

Austin Healey meanwhile reckons England need to ‘confront’ the All Blacks while the haka is being performed.