Henry Pollock got England fans talking on Saturday afternoon as he licked his lips while staring down the Haka.
Steve Borthwick‘s side are taking on New Zealand at Twickenham, and as they faced off ahead of kick off, the All Blacks underwent the iconic pre-match ritual.
England immediately marched forward as the ceremonial dance began and formed a semi-circle around the halfway line.
The camera then cut to several England players, who were firmly staring at their counterparts.
As it moved along to Pollock, the young star certainly got stuck into the occasion.
Pollock, who was displaying a fierce gesture and also had a smirk, began to tease his opponents by licking his lips.
Henry Pollock licked his lips as New Zealand performed the Haka pre-match on Saturday
England fans at Twickenham could 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 added: ‘Look at Henry Pollock’s face during The Haka,’ with a laughing emoji.
A further fan said: ‘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 meters 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?’
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 several recent examples of teams trying to gain a psychological advantage.
A notable example of this came 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 England contravened that, and instead advanced towards the All Blacks in a V formation.
Referee Nigel Owens told England to move back and England were later hit with a £2,000 fine for breaching tournament rules ‘relating to cultural challenges’
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