- In US, a guitar trademark feud gets political
- China investigates defence minister for corruption: report
- 'American Railroad' musical project showcases untold immigrant stories
- Future of deep-sea mining stands at a crucial juncture
- Australia marks 10 years since death of cricketer Phillip Hughes
- Russia accuses UK diplomat of spying in fresh diplomatic spat
- Teen who lied about beheaded French teacher's class says 'sorry'
- Drake takes Kendrick Lamar rap feud to US courts
- Bolivia announces $1 bn deal with China to build lithium plants
- NFL-best Chiefs and Lions face short-rest US holiday test
- Alleged smuggler had meth-soaked cow onesie in suitcase: US officials
- Man City blow three-goal lead in Champions League, Bayern beat PSG
- Arsenal deliver Champions League statement of intent: Arteta
- Flick hails 'unbelievable' Lewandowski after 100th Champions League strike
- Man City not 'stable', says Guardiola after Feyenoord collapse
- US stocks rally despite Trump tariff threat but European stocks fall
- Ceasefire to begin in Israel-Hezbollah war
- League fines Hawks $100,000 for Young missing NBA Cup game
- Man City blow 3-0 lead to extend winless run in Feyenoord thriller
- Kim heads Bayern past 10-man PSG to dent Champions League hopes
- Lewandowski hits Champions League century as Barca beat Brest
- Inter take Champions League lead with narrow win over Leipzig
- Arsenal crush Sporting in Champions League to extend revival
- Ceasefire in Israel-Hezbollah war to take effect
- Egyptian clubs go on scoring sprees in CAF Champions League
- Biden hails Lebanon ceasefire deal as 'good news'
- Brazil's Bolsonaro 'participated' in 2022 coup plot against Lula: police
- Barcelona striker Lewandowski scores 100th Champions League goal
- Alvarez, Correa net braces as Atletico thrash Sparta in Champions League
- Autos, food: What are the risks from Trump's tariff threat?
- Alvarez, Correa net braces as Atletico thrash Sparta Prague
- Trump brings back government by social media
- Animal rights activist on FBI 'most wanted terrorist' list arrested
- Netanyahu seeks ceasefire after two months of war in Lebanon
- Trump tariffs threat casts chill over Canada
- Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai's court case a 'show trial': son
- Blinken says Lebanon ceasefire talks 'in final stages'
- Mascherano re-unites with Messi as new coach of Inter Miami
- Real Madrid's Bellingham gone from 'scapegoat' to smiling
- Bangladeshi Hindus protest over leader's arrest, one dead
- Trump tariff vow drives choppy day for markets
- Celtic fuelled by Dortmund embarrassment: Rodgers
- Pakistan ex-PM Khan calls more protestors to capital after deadly clashes
- Salah driven not distracted by contract deadlock, says Slot
- Algeria holds writer Boualem Sansal on national security charges: lawyer
- Biden proposes huge expansion of weight loss drug access
- Saudi 2025 budget sees lower deficit on spending trims
- Pogba's brother, five others, on trial for blackmailing him
- Israel pounds Beirut as security cabinet discusses ceasefire plan
- Prosecutors seek up to 15-year terms for French rape trial defendants
RBGPF | 1.33% | 61 | $ | |
SCS | -1.33% | 13.54 | $ | |
NGG | -0.68% | 62.83 | $ | |
RYCEF | 0.44% | 6.8 | $ | |
CMSC | -0.65% | 24.57 | $ | |
GSK | -0.38% | 34.02 | $ | |
AZN | -0.06% | 66.36 | $ | |
BP | -1.24% | 28.96 | $ | |
BTI | 1.01% | 37.71 | $ | |
RELX | 0.51% | 46.81 | $ | |
RIO | -1.53% | 62.03 | $ | |
BCE | -1.46% | 26.63 | $ | |
VOD | -0.56% | 8.86 | $ | |
BCC | -2.76% | 148.41 | $ | |
CMSD | -0.61% | 24.43 | $ | |
JRI | -0.98% | 13.24 | $ |
New Zealand captain Barrett says Marler has 'loaded gun' with haka jibe
New Zealand captain Scott Barrett suggested England's Joe Marler had "loaded the gun" ahead of Saturday's clash at Twickenham after calling on the All Blacks to ditch their pre-match ritual haka.
Marler, not playing on Saturday, has since apologised for his remarks which England captain Jamie George said may have "prodded the bear".
It was a sentiment echoed by All Blacks skipper Barrett, who made it clear his side had no intention of ditching the Maori war dance.
"He has probably loaded the gun hasn't he?," said Barrett when asked about Marler's comments at New Zealand's hotel on Friday.
"I guess there always opinions about the haka and its place. It is hugely important to us and has been to the All Blacks for a long time, we get a lot from it."
But the lock played down suggestions Marler's words would fuel New Zealand, with England having won just eight of their previous 45 Tests against the All Blacks and losing their last two encounters -- 16-15 and 24-17 reverses in Dunedin and Auckland in July.
"We don't need any extra motivation heading to Twickenham against a team that would desperately love to beat us so we have got to respect what is coming," said Barrett, whose brothers Beauden and Jordie are also in the starting XV.
"England haven't had a Test match since they played us in July so they'll have that stone in their shoe that they've been carrying for a while and they'll be keen to shake that off with a good performance," he added.
"Up front they always pose a threat –- George Martin, Jamie George, Maro Itoje. They've got a strong connection there.
"If they get gainline and fast ball for Marcus Smith and the backs they have, you can end up chasing the game. So it's about controlling the breakdown and getting good ball. It'll be an arm wrestle."
New Zealand lost three of their six matches in the southern hemisphere Rugby Championship, but Barrett said: "I feel like we've learnt a lot from the summer series and we're excited about whats ahead.
"We'll see in the next three Test matches (if we have our aura). We're playing the best of the northern hemisphere (they also take on France and Ireland this trip) so it's a great opportunity for this team."
L.Janezki--BTB