England’s V-shaped response to the haka was not spontaneous but a deliberate move from the leadership group that set the tone for their 33–19 win over New Zealand.
The formation was one of England’s boldest pre-match statements in years, a clear declaration that they intended to meet the All Blacks head-on and on their own terms.
It echoed the 2019 World Cup semi-final in Yokohama, when England formed the same shape before producing one of the defining wins of the modern era.
This time the stance was made at Twickenham, in their first home victory over New Zealand since 2012 and in front of a crowd sensing a shift in England’s authority under Steve Borthwick.
It was not a branding exercise or a ritual for atmosphere, but a decision rooted in the team’s leadership process, with senior players taking responsibility for how England would present themselves for the biggest fixture of the autumn.
Maro Itoje said the response was planned by England’s leaders and intended to convey clarity, unity and readiness for the contest ahead.
England stare on 👀
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The Haka meets Swing Low Sweet Chariot 🏉
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He said: “As a group of leaders, we came up with what you guys saw.
“It was just our response to what they did.”
The England captain underlined the importance of meeting the haka with presence, purpose and respect rather than passively receiving it.
He said: “We were trying to achieve the same thing they were trying to achieve.
“The haka is a war dance they do to get themselves up for the game, and it has a huge spiritual meaning to New Zealand.”
On the pitch, those same leaders had to reassert that mindset after England fell 12–0 down inside 18 minutes, conceding two early tries before showing the composure that has defined their ten-game winning streak.
George Ford’s control, Jamie George’s calm, and Itoje’s authority in the tight exchanges all mirrored the intention behind the pre-match stance: England would not be passive.
The V formation framed a performance built on conviction rather than reaction, culminating in a final-quarter surge that overwhelmed New Zealand and delivered one of the most important wins of Borthwick’s tenure.
England now prepare to finish the autumn against Argentina next weekend, carrying a sense of growing authority both in results and in the way they carry themselves into marquee fixtures.
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