Clubhouse chat - Autumn Internationals 2024

Print Page | Close Window

Autumn Internationals 2024

Printed From: National League Rugby Discussion Forum
Category: League Rugby - www.leaguerugby.co.uk
Forum Name: Clubhouse chat
Forum Description: For rugby related posts that fit nowhere else.. When you're ready Sandra.
URL: http://www.leaguerugby.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=20461
Printed Date: 01 Nov 2024 at 09:28
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Autumn Internationals 2024

Posted By: Steve@Mose
Subject: Autumn Internationals 2024
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2024 at 12:47

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cwylz933wvxo" rel="nofollow - Slade and Curry back for England but Mitchell out

Centre Henry Slade and flanker Tom Curry have recovered from injury to make England's 36-man squad for the autumn internationals, but first-choice scrum-half Alex Mitchell is out with a neck problem.

Slade had shoulder surgery after the summer tour to New Zealand and has not played for Exeter yet this season, while Sale's Curry made his return from a concussion lay-off in Friday's win over Newcastle.

Mitchell's absence means Ben Spencer, Jack van Poortvliet and Harry Randall are the three named scrum-halves.

Sale's George Ford will continue his rehabiltation from a torn quad muscle as part of the squad, with Marcus Smith and Fin Smith the other specialist stand-offs.

...

England’s 36-player squad:

Forwards

Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Dan Cole (Leicester), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Trevor Davison (Northampton), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Charlie Ewels (Bath), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jamie George (Saracens) Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Joe Marler (Harlequins), George Martin (Leicester), Will Stuart (Bath), Sam Underhill (Bath).

Backs

Elliot Daly (Saracens), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), George Furbank (Northampton), Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Luke Northmore (Harlequins), Harry Randall (Bristol), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Henry Slade (Exeter), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton), Fin Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester)

Rehabilitation: George Ford (Sale)

Not considered for selection: Alex Coles (Northampton), Joe Cokanasiga (Bath), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Will Muir (Bath), Max Ojomoh (Bath), Raffi Quirke (Sale), Bevan Rodd (Sale).

Replies:

Posted By: tigerburnie
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2024 at 13:44

England still has this attitude of the next match and little thought for the future and a world cup, rather a lot of deadwood in that squad, quite a few will not be around for the next world cup.

Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2024 at 23:05

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cm24m29ey34o" rel="nofollow - Uncapped Thomas and Murray in Wales autumn squad

Uncapped pair Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray have been included in Wales' 35-man squad for the autumn series in November.

New Zealand-born Scarlets wing Murray qualifies for Wales through his mother.

Gloucester lock Thomas has been capped by England at under-18s and under-20s level but has switched allegiance as he qualifies through his Welsh grandparents.

Head coach Warren Gatland has also given a shock recall to 31-year-old Dragons scrum-half Rhodri Williams, more than 10 years after his last Wales cap.

Gareth Anscombe, Nicky Smith and Tomos Williams also return following international absences as Gatland looks to bring back experience.

Aaron Wainwright, one of only three players with 50 caps, is included despite not having played this season because of injury.

...

Forwards: Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Ben Carter, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Taine Plumtree, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.

Backs: Tomos Williams, Rhodri Williams, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow, Gareth Anscombe, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Max Llewellyn, Eddie James, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady, Blair Murray, Rio Dyer, Josh Hathaway, Tom Rogers, Cameron Winnett.

Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 22 Oct 2024 at 12:14

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/crl8l2z24e3o" rel="nofollow - Australia call up league convert Suaalii

Big-money rugby league convert Joseph Suaalii has been named in Australia's 34-man squad to travel to the northern hemisphere next month.

The 21-year-old former Sydney Roosters wing or centre is yet to play a professional rugby union game after a switch from league reportedly worth more than 5m Australian dollars (£2.6m).

Uncapped former Leicester wing Harry Potter, now with Western Force, has also been named in Joe Schmidt's squad for their tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Schmidt said that Suaalii - who he will use at centre, wing or full-back - needed to be brought in now in preparation for Australia's home series against the British and Irish Lions next year.

"I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't conscious of the big deal that he's on and the profile that he has, because you can’t not be aware of that," said Schmidt.

"As much as we think maybe it might have been better to come through [the second string Australia XV], part of it is that we play the Lions next year.

"So if he doesn't debut on this tour, then there's very little window. There may be one opportunity to play before the Lions next year, and that would be it. So for us, we feel a little bit of pressure to be able to fast-track him."

...

Australia squad

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Seru Uru, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson.

Backs: Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Samu Kerevi, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph Suaalii, Nic White, Tom Wright.

Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2024 at 12:35

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c4g4gvjpd83o" rel="nofollow - World Cup winners return to South Africa squad

South Africa squad

Backs (16): Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse; Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel; Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard; Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams.

Forwards (18): Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp.

Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2024 at 12:44

Fair play that is a mighty looking squad.

Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2024 at 14:37

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cvgwxldqx4vo" rel="nofollow - Doris to captain Ireland in autumn internationals

Ireland squad

Forwards (19): Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Caelan Doris (Leinste, capt) Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Dave Heffernan (Connacht), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster)

Backs (16): Bundee Aki (Connacht), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Mack Hansen (Connacht), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster), Calvin Nash (Munster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)

Training panellists: Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Alex Kendellen (Munster), Shayne Bolton (Connacht), Jack Boyle (Leinster), Gus McCarthy (Leinster)

Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 23 Oct 2024 at 15:48

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c7895ex1e95o" rel="nofollow - Tuipulotu to captain Scotland in Autumn Tests

Sione Tuipulotu will captain Scotland in the autumn Tests against South Africa, Australia, Fiji and Portugal while his brother Mosese has been called up for the first time.

There are also recalls for prop D'Arcy Rae, centre Rory Hutchinson and winger Darcy Graham, who has been missing through injury since the 2023 World Cup.

Glasgow's New Zealand-born fly-half Tom Jordan has recently become eligible and his inclusion nudges Ben Healy out of the 45-man squad.

Alex Samuel, Ben Muncaster and Freddy Douglas - who has yet to feature in the United Rugby Championship for Edinburgh - are the other uncapped players chosen by head coach Gregor Townsend.

Finn Russell and Rory Darge were co-captains for the Six Nations and are listed as vice-captains for the November matches.

...

Scotland squad

Forwards: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Jamie Bhatti, Gregor Brown, Scott Cummings (all Glasgow Warriors), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh), Alex Craig (Scarlets), Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey (both Glasgow Warriors), Freddy Douglas (Edinburgh), Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson (both Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist, Patrick Harrison (both Edinburgh Rugby), Will Hurd (Leicester), Ewan Johnson (Oyonnax), Nathan McBeth, Elliot Millar Mills (Northampton), Ben Muncaster (Edinburgh), D'Arcy Rae (Edinburgh), Dylan Richardson (Sharks), Jamie Richie (Edinburgh), Alex Samuel (Glasgow Warriors), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Rory Sutherland, Max Williamson (both Glasgow Warriors)

Backs: Matt Currie (Edinburgh), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow Warriors), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Adam Hastings, George Horne (both Glasgow Warriors), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton), Huw Jones, Tom Jordan (both Glasgow Warriors), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow Warriors), Harry Paterson, Ali Price (Edinburgh), Arron Reed (Sale Sharks), Kyle Rowe (Glasgow Warriors), Finn Russell (Bath), Mosese Tuipulotu (Edinburgh), Sione Tuipulotu, captain (Glasgow Warriors), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (Toulon)

Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2024 at 22:59

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cwyxx2yv9pyo" rel="nofollow - England call-up Coles and Hill in 36-player squad

England head coach Steve Borthwick has called up Northampton lock Alex Coles and Bath back-row Ted Hill to his squad for the opening Autumn Nations Series match with New Zealand on Saturday.

Hill is rewarded after his player of the match display after Bath’s Premiership win over Sale, while Coles continues to impress for Saints.

Sale fly-half George Ford is also promoted to the regular squad, having been previously named as going through ‘rehabilitation’ after a quad injury sustained in early October.

Leicester forward Ollie Chessum drops out of the squad as he awaits assessment on a knee injury picked up against Saracens, while Charlie Ewels is also out as he follows return to play protocols following Bath’s win at The Rec.

Sale wing Tom Roebuck is also dropped from the 36-player squad that will prepare to play the All Blacks.

Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2024 at 16:39

Borthwick has gone early...

England: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; M Smith, Spencer; Genge, George (capt), Stuart; Itoje, Martin; Cunningham-South, T Curry, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Baxter, Cole, Isiekwe, B Curry, Dombrandt, Randall, Ford.

Picking Ford as one of 2 backs on the bench is risky. I suppose Marcus Smith can cover wing and full back

Posted By: Raider999
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2024 at 16:48

Paul10 wrote:

Borthwick has gone early...

England: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; M Smith, Spencer; Genge, George (capt), Stuart; Itoje, Martin; Cunningham-South, T Curry, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Baxter, Cole, Isiekwe, B Curry, Dombrandt, Randall, Ford.

Picking Ford as one of 2 backs on the bench is risky. I suppose Marcus Smith can cover wing and full back

Very risky, when you consider he hasn't played for weeks

-------------
RAID ON

Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2024 at 12:08

Joe Marler adding a bit of spice to Saturday's match.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c629qx5e6plo" rel="nofollow - Marler deletes post saying haka 'needs binning'

Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2024 at 16:23

Steve@Mose wrote:

Joe Marler adding a bit of spice to Saturday's match.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c629qx5e6plo" rel="nofollow - Marler deletes post saying haka 'needs binning'

not sure why anyone with half a profile deletes posts these days, unless they make that decision within 10 seconds in which case they might get lucky. longer than that and it's bound to be noted and subject to a screen-shot, and then the 'guilty deletion' becomes more of a story than the initial point the person's making. binning the kiwis' 'silly dance' is a perfectly legitimate thing to call for IMHO...

Posted By: Rothman2
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2024 at 17:07

Personally I think it’s a great spectacle.

The honour in the game is in respecting the other teams traditions.

Without honour there is no respect. Without respect, there is anarchy. Respect for the game and respect for the referee is what makes this game special.

Posted By: Robb
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2024 at 17:26

Steve@Mose wrote:

Joe Marler adding a bit of spice to Saturday's match.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c629qx5e6plo" rel="nofollow - Marler deletes post saying haka 'needs binning'

Not binning, but get rid of its protections. Let players respond how they want to it.. Fans at Twickenham, quite rightly do by drowning it out with Swing Low.

Posted By: fatbear
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2024 at 20:07

Steve@Mose wrote:

Joe Marler adding a bit of spice to Saturday's match.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c629qx5e6plo" rel="nofollow - Marler deletes post saying haka 'needs binning'

Personally I agree with Marler, it is an anacronhnism that has reached its sell by date and I find very boring.

Alternatively, let's have England performing Morris Dancing, Ireland the River Dance and Argentina the Latin Tango........

Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2024 at 21:21

It's not the haka per se that really grinds my gears, it's all the nonsense around it: the recent 20-metre distancing clause that curtails opponents' ability to challenge; TV cameras between the teams; the insistence on it being the last thing b4 KO, after the anthems, even when NZ are the away team; the pomposity about tradition given how pathetically they performed it b4 'Buck' Shelford got involved in 80s; the recent changes involving throat-slitting and having a spear on the pitch - FFS; the outrage about disrespect whenever it's challenged; the spear-tackle on O'Driscoll in 1st min of Lions' test after his haka response; the childish decision to perform it in their dressing room in Cardiff. I could go on...

Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2024 at 23:47

Having the anthem and the folk dance is two bites of the cherry.

You should have one or the other

And the host should go last.

-------------
Sweeney Delenda Est

Posted By: Sedge Tiger
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 07:21

islander wrote:

It's not the haka per se that really grinds my gears, it's all the nonsense around it: the recent 20-metre distancing clause that curtails opponents' ability to challenge; TV cameras between the teams; the insistence on it being the last thing b4 KO, after the anthems, even when NZ are the away team; the pomposity about tradition given how pathetically they performed it b4 'Buck' Shelford got involved in 80s; the recent changes involving throat-slitting and having a spear on the pitch - FFS; the outrage about disrespect whenever it's challenged; the spear-tackle on O'Driscoll in 1st min of Lions' test after his haka response; the childish decision to perform it in their dressing room in Cardiff. I could go on...

Good morning islander.

Nothing much more to say really other than. I agree Clap

All the best

-------------
Give him one with handles on

Posted By: kingsheathlad
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 07:26

Watched the England v Samoa rugby league game at the weekend,they were facing up very close for Samoa's pre match 'Haka'

-------------
Cauliflower ear.

Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 07:48

My favourite recent (ish) response was Wales in 2008 (?) standing and staring the ABs down at the end of the Haka.

Still lost but great theatre.

And 100% agree with Islander. 👍

Posted By: Old Gold
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 08:33

Completely agree Islander.

-------------
#AClubForLife💛❤️🖤

Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 10:36

kingsheathlad wrote:

Watched the England v Samoa rugby league game at the weekend,they were facing up very close for Samoa's pre match 'Haka'

It was an impressive Siva Tau, and a properly respectful response from England.

Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 10:46

Steve@Mose wrote:

kingsheathlad wrote:

Watched the England v Samoa rugby league game at the weekend,they were facing up very close for Samoa's pre match 'Haka'

It was an impressive Siva Tau, and a properly respectful response from England.

Compelling TV Steve, I agree, but should we really be setting up a situation where combatants are this pumped up and literally touching foreheads before kick-off?! Is that a 'properly respectful' situation, or one that's reminiscent of boxing weigh-ins where the fighters play the game and get all gnarly with each other because it's proven that will attract PPV buyers and end up benefitting their bank balances? Fair play to the two guys here for keeping their composure, but on another day one of them would twitch, and it would all kick off...

Posted By: JZSmith
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 11:56

I always remember Brian Moore saying one of his greatest rugby memories was standing tall facing the haka. He had respect for it and the ABs had respect for him. That's the way it should be.

Posted By: Paul10
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 13:06

New Zealand: Jordan; Tele'a, Ioane, J Barrett, Clarke; B Barrett, Ratima; Williams, Taylor, Lomax, S Barrett (capt), Vaa'i, Sititi, Cane, Savea.

Replacements: Aumua, Tu'ungafasi, Tosi, Tuipulotu, Finau, Roigard, Lienart-Brown, McKenzie

Posted By: Se7en
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 13:25

islander wrote:

Steve@Mose wrote:

kingsheathlad wrote:

Watched the England v Samoa rugby league game at the weekend,they were facing up very close for Samoa's pre match 'Haka'

It was an impressive Siva Tau, and a properly respectful response from England.

And on how many other days has one of them actually twitched and it 'all kicked off?'

Comparing international test match rugby (and the elite athletes playing it) to gnarly boxing weigh ins is totally pointless, it's an irrelevant point. The two are poles apart in terms of the sports themselves, but more importantly, in terms of the character, attitude, demeanour (on the whole) of those taking part.

The other post re Brian Moore and the mutual respect between England and the All Blacks hits the nail on the head, and I completely agree with this viewpoint. Long may this tradition and the subtle values that it encapsulates equally on the part of the All Blacks and whoever their opponents are on a given day continue.

Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 15:25

Se7en wrote:

islander wrote:

Steve@Mose wrote:

kingsheathlad wrote:

Watched the England v Samoa rugby league game at the weekend,they were facing up very close for Samoa's pre match 'Haka'

It was an impressive Siva Tau, and a properly respectful response from England.

And on how many other days has one of them actually twitched and it 'all kicked off?'

Ironic that you write about mutual respect while at the same time sl@gg1ng off a fellow poster for daring to express an opinion you don't agree with.

I want international rugby and boxing title fights to remain poles apart, but I fear this encouragement of opposing teams to confront each other before play starts could be a slippery slope towards bringing them closer together, with the TV companies seeking to get more and more inside access. How long before one of them pioneers a #TongueCam which films the reaction of an opponent as the tongue of the large Maori opposite them is stuck out?

PS I have huge respect for Brian Moore, but would add that he retired from international rugby three decades ago - not sure whether or not he approves of how the haka has developed since then...

Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 16:01

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c87xd935en2o" rel="nofollow - Graham to make first Scotland start since World Cup

Scotland & Fiji teams

Scotland: Rowe; Graham, Jones, S Tuipulotu (capt), Van der Merwe; Hastings, Price; Schoeman, Ashman, Z Fagerson, Gilchrist, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Richardson, Sutherland, Rae, Williamson, Brown, Dobie, Jordan, McDowall.

Fiji: Ravula; Karawalevu, Vota, Tabuavou, Loganimasi; Muntz, Lomani; Hetet, Ikanivere (capt), Tawake, Nasilasila, Rotuisolia, Derenalagi, Salawa, Canakaivata.

Replacements: Dolokoto, Natave, Koroiduadua, Vocevoce, Miramira, Kuruvoli, Valetini, Nalaga.

Posted By: Se7en
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 17:10

islander wrote:

Se7en wrote:

islander wrote:

Steve@Mose wrote:

kingsheathlad wrote:

Watched the England v Samoa rugby league game at the weekend,they were facing up very close for Samoa's pre match 'Haka'

It was an impressive Siva Tau, and a properly respectful response from England.

And on how many other days has one of them actually twitched and it 'all kicked off?'

Ironic that you write about mutual respect while at the same time sl@gg1ng off a fellow poster for daring to express an opinion you don't agree with.

PS I have huge respect for Brian Moore, but would add that he retired from international rugby three decades ago - not sure whether or not he approves of how the haka has developed since then...

I haven't sla@@ed anyone off, just highlighted an irrelevant point to the conversation at hand, that acts as a distraction from what's at the heart of this topic, the Haka itself.

You would do well to educate yourself on the history of the dance from centuries of Maori culture, and show some respect and tolerance to a different rugby culture, rather than muddying the water with obtuse comparisons to boxing and a series of 'what if's' that have yet to ever materialise in terms of 'someone twitching and kicking off'. Really??

Suffice to say we'll clearly agree to disagree here, and that's fine, but I'll be tuning in on Saturday to watch the latest rendition of a culturally significant performance that existed long before you or I ever set eyes on a rugby pitch.

Posted By: Robb
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2024 at 20:40

islander wrote:

Steve@Mose wrote:

kingsheathlad wrote:

Watched the England v Samoa rugby league game at the weekend,they were facing up very close for Samoa's pre match 'Haka'

It was an impressive Siva Tau, and a properly respectful response from England.

In the Pacific Island culture, I believe that's called a hongi and is a greeting gesture. Wink

But personally, I'd love to see some more of that fronting up to the dance in union and removal of any special protections it has.