27 Nov 2008

Henry urges England to respect haka

11:19 am on 27 November 2008

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has urged England to respect the pre-match haka before Saturday's rugby Test at Twickenham.

Wales stood on the halfway line last Satirday, staring at the All Blacks after the traditional haka while the referee tried to get the game started.

After a minute's standoff, New Zealand captain Richie McCaw intervened and the match began.

Henry says the Welsh thought that was the best way to respond and it took someone with common sense to get things going.

He hopes there will be no repeat this Saturday when the All Blacks will be hoping for a win to achieve a grand slam result in Britain.

Wales were made to pay the price for their behaviour, they were beaten 29-9.

New Zealand previously beat Ireland (32-6) and Scotland (32-6) and have won their last six games against England.

The All Blacks aim to add to their previous grand slams in 2005 and 1978.