Saints latest - Hartley says he will face down the haka
Northampton Saints star Dylan Hartley says he is looking forward to accepting the challenge of the haka on Saturday.
New Zealand coach Graham Henry has warned England to respect the haka after Wales tried to stare down the All Blacks as they did their pre-match routine.
It wound up the New Zealand players and it took the intervention of captain Richie McCaw to ADVERTISEMENTend the stand-off in Cardiff, though Wales were soon made to pay as they were beaten 29-9.
Henry has warned England not to try something similar, but New Zealand-born Hartley is not about to be intimidated by the war dance.
"It's something that I am looking forward to," said Hartley. "The haka is a challenge and I'm going to accept it.
" I was born in New Zealand but I came through the English rugby system so I am very much English."
It will be a poignant moment for Hartley, who grew up in Rotorua before moving to England as a teenager, as he faces the haka, especially after going on the summer tour to New Zealand but not getting onto the field.
But Hartley knows England have to show some fight after the 42-6 trouncing against South Africa, even though he will be on the bench for the fourth game in a row.
Hartley said "We have to stick together and be strong and put it right this Saturday.
"Every time you come off the bench you want to prove your point and play well for the team and that's what I have tried to do."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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