Haka in All Blacks' DNA, says coach Robertson

LONDON - New Zealand rugby coach Scott Robertson defended his team's pre-match haka after England prop Joe Marler stoked up the tension ahead of their Nov 2 Twickenham clash by saying it was "ridiculous and needs binning", for which he later apologised on Oct 31.

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Marler, who is not involved in the match and has left the England camp for personal reasons, posted his comments on social media on Oct 29, briefly deleted his account and then reinstated it, saying he had been trying to "stoke interest".

Asked about the comments, Robertson said: "I know Joe. I wonder if he wishes he could have articulated himself a little bit better on that.

"The haka for us is a custom. It is part of who we are, our DNA. You can welcome somebody (with it), it is for celebrations, for joy and also for challenge, and we use it as a challenge.