England have history with the haka.
Before a Test at Old Trafford in 1997, home hooker Richard Cockerill stood nose-to-nose with opposite number Norm Hewitt, while England formed an arrowhead shape to receive the haka before beating the All Blacks in the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final.
In 2005, British and Irish Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll tore up some grass, throwing the blades in the air in response to the haka in the first Test. Wales also stared down the haka in 2008, refusing to turn first and causing a stand-off.
While both the Lions and Wales were well beaten, France’s advance on the haka preceded a famous 20-18 quarter-final win at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Rules are now in place preventing either team advancing close to the other. However, it has not stopped the controversy.
South Africa apologised earlier this year after the haka was interrupted by fireworks, music and a pre-match fly-past, saying it was the result of human error on timings rather than a deliberate slight.
Robertson described England’s 2019 response as “awesome”.
“It is the respect thing isn’t it,” he said.
“There was a clear meaning behind it and was respectfully done. That’s great. That’s what we are all about.”
