• World Rugby imposes four-figure fine, Guardian understands•
England took action before
World Cup semi-final winEngland have been reprimanded and fined for their V-shaped formation when facing the haka before their World Cup semi-final victory over
New Zealand last Saturday, the Guardian understands.
World Rugby regulations state opponents must not cross the halfway line while the pre-match Maori war dance is being performed and six England players could be seen in breach of the ruling last Saturday. Eddie Jones was behind the idea to combat the haka and his captain, Owen Farrell, stood at the apex of the formation grinning while it was being performed. After the match, Farrell said: “We wanted not to just stand there and let them come at us.” Mako Vunipola added: “We knew it would rile them up”.