Social media exploded this afternoon after England the fans drowned out the All the black people‘ haka with a deafening rendition of ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

The pre-match atmosphere became tense following England prop Joe Marler’s comments about X earlier in the week, dismissing the Maori war dance as “ridiculous” and suggesting it be removed.

Marler’s comments intensified anticipation with speculation from fans and pundits about how the All Blacks would respond.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson on what to expect from England | RPTV

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson spoke to Lawrence Dallaglio ahead of the Autumn Nations Series clash against England. Watch the full interview on RugbyPass TV.

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All Blacks coach Scott Robertson on what to expect from England | RPTV

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson spoke to Lawrence Dallaglio ahead of the Autumn Nations Series clash against England. Watch the full interview on RugbyPass TV.

watch now

As the All Blacks lined up for the haka, England met the challenge with a formation that stopped at the midfield line. The stadium erupted in song, almost dominating the haka with “Swing Low.” In the end only a few meters separated the teams.

While the consensus on social media was that the haka and its response were a fantastic sight, others were not so happy with the home fan drowning out the haka with the controversial rugby anthem.

One England fan wrote: “As an England fan, England fans sing Swing Low about the New Zealand Haka is so fucking disrespectful. What is happening to rugby fans? Furious,” while another England supporter agreed: “You’re right and I’ve been saying it for years. Marler is kind of right in some ways. Let the Haka sound loud, let the English players respond, not let 82,000 sing about it.”

Another angry fan also called it disrespectful.

“I’m a proud Englishman BUT Twickenham fans sing swing low during the haka “They are showing a lack of respect.”

Along the same lines, another fan observed: “It was deeply disappointing and, in my opinion, quite disrespectful to not have someone singing the New Zealand anthem there. And then have the Twickenham crowd singing Swing Low over the Haka. Come on Rugby, we are better than that.”

Others were divided on the answer: “Deafening swaying during the Haka. I’m not sure if I love it or see it as disrespectful… Let’s go with ‘I love it,’” while others defended the response, with one noting, “Why do we have to respect this shame? Get rid of it!

GREAT ANSWER!

England face the Haka! #AutumnNationsSeries | #ENGvNZL pic.twitter.com/pHV7VcXiSa

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 2, 2024

Swing Low is considered controversial by some due to its origins as an African-American spiritual, and critics argue that it may be insensitive in a modern sporting context.