New Zealand coach Scott Robertson insisted the haka is part of "who we are" after Joe Marler attempted to stir up controversy before the All Blacks play England by labeling the pregame ritual as "ridiculous."
England prop Marler, who is not playing in Saturday's match, took to social media earlier this week to deride the haka performed by New Zealand players before each game, saying it "needs binning."
Haka are ritual war dances that form a significant part of indigenous Maori culture, and for decades have been closely associated with the All Blacks, one of rugby union's leading international teams.
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