Watch Owen Farrell SMIRK during New Zealand Haka sending England fans including Piers Morgan into hysterics
OWEN FARRELL sent England fans into a hysterical meltdown after he SMIRKED during New Zealand’s rendition of the Haka.
The All Blacks were going through their tradition pre-match ritual, designed to intimidate opponents, when the camera panned to the Red Rose centre.
During the Haka, England players started creeping towards the All Blacks players, as they too tried to gain a mental advantage over their opponents.
Rather than looking on in fear, England stared back with fierce determination – except Farrell, who could be seen smirking.
The stunt left England supporters crying with laughter, with Piers Morgan even tweeting: “He knew.”
Louise Mensch wrote: “This was actually brilliant, and part of the psychological warfare that the Haka represents.
“#AllBlacks taken aback. Our boys make own visual, V for Victory. Owen Farrell’s confident, amused face. Undermined NZ before the whistle even blew.”
Olympic hero Katherine Merry had her say, tweeting: “… but nothing beats Owen Farrell’s face during the haka …”
Elsewhere, England fan Tom Bage said on Twitter: “Nothing in this game will top Owen Farrell’s smirk.”
Millie Sansoye said: “The Haka is awesome. Our response was even better. Owen Farrell’s smirk was the icing on the cake. COME ON LADS.”
Ben Jeffrey said: “That Farrell smirk was Joker-esque.”
Laura Cunningham said: “Yes Farrell that smirk! The Haka doesn’t scare us! Come on England”
Josh Walker said: “Little smirk by Farrell haha come on England”
But not everyone was happy with Farrell’s expression, with England fan Kyle Hawkins furious.
He said on Twitter: “England Rugby proving once again why we are the most disrespectful team in the world.”
And All Blacks supporters were furious, too, with one posting: “That smirk automatically means its going to be a long 80 minutes, its science. Farrell just signed his death wish.”
One said: “That smug white boy smirk on Owen Farrell’s face during the All Blacks’ haka smh just because you have no culture to call your own.
“That Farrell smirk at a rugby tradition shows we have no respect for anything but glory. For the first time ever, I hope we now lose.
Ultimately though, it was England who had the last laugh who roared to a blistering 10-0 lead, before New Zealand clawed their way back into it.
But the Red Rose defended like champions as they ran out 19-7 winners in Yokohama – thanks to some stellar work from Maro Itoje and Co – sending fans wild.
The scoreline actually flattered the All Blacks, who hadn’t lost at a World Cup in 12 years prior to Saturday, after England had TWO tries controversially chalked off.