Welsh star plotted Haka response, says Jenkins

GETHIN JENKINS has claimed an unnamed player plotted Wales’ memorable response to the New Zealand Haka that brought a Millennium Stadium full house to its feet.

As All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and his team waited for Wales to disperse for kick-off after the tourists completed their traditional pre-match routine, the reigning Six Nations champions had other ideas.

They remained rooted to the spot 10 metres away, staring down McCaw and company as both sides refused to budge before referee Jonathan Kaplan intervened.

“We talked a bit about the Haka on Friday,” said Wales prop Jenkins. “We respect their tradition, but it is our pitch and we wanted to stand our ground. The way the crowd responded was great. It was hard to keep a straight face, but it inspired us and had the desired effect.

“It was one of the player’s ideas — I am not going to say who — and everyone was behind it. We said we weren’t going to move until the referee split us up. There was nothing malicious, it was our home game and that’s what we decided to do.”

Wales’ reaction to the Haka gained approval from the All Blacks player, even if they were not familiar with such an audacious response.

“I thought it was very respectful — a great way to face the Haka,” said All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu.

“The Wales boys stood proud and it set the mood for the start of the game. There was nothing given or taken.”

And McCaw added: “It was a bit of gamesmanship. The referee was keen to get on with things and I was not sure if the game was going to get started. There was a stand-off, but there was a point where you had to get on with the game. There was a fair bit of feeling from both teams, and I thought it was good.”