Marler’s haka jibe has ‘loaded the gun’, warns New Zealand captain Barrett

Barrett says tradition ‘unites us’ before England clash.

COMMENTS: New Zealand captain Scott Barrett during the Captain's Run at The Lensbury. Picture: Warren Little/Getty Images

The All Blacks captain, Scott Barrett, has warned England that Joe Marler has “loaded the gun” with his haka jibe before Saturday’s autumn internationals kick-off at Twickenham.

Marler posted on social media on Tuesday that the haka is “ridiculous” and “it needs binning” before rowing back and apologising for his “shithouse” comments on Thursday night. The England captain, Jamie George, distanced himself from Marler’s views, insisting he loves the All Blacks’ traditional war dance but revealed his side were considering a respectful response.