England vs New Zealand: Eddie Jones’ side’s response to the haka ‘had no impact on the game’, claims All Blacks captain Kieran Read

England assembled themselves in a ‘V’ as the All Blacks performed their pre-match ritualistic Maori war dance

Kieran Read has claimed that England‘s response to the haka had “no impact” on the World Cup semi-final.

New Zealand were beaten at a World Cup for the first time in 12 years, losing 19-7 as England secured their place in next weekend’s final.

England chose to respond to the haka with a ‘V’ formation, flanking the All Blacks as they performed their ritualistic pre-match Maori war dance.

And though some have suggested this got in the heads of the New Zealand players, putting England on the front foot right from the off, Read has refuted that claim.

“It had no impact on the game,” Read said after his side’s defeat.

“That’s what they wanted to do so that’s what they did.

“They dominated the breakdown so we couldn’t get quick ball. They did a good job.”

It was the first time any of the New Zealand players had lost a World Cup game.

England started superbly, with Manu Tuilagi‘s try putting them ahead inside two minutes after a magnificent passage of play, everything done at pace as they efficiently and effectively moved the ball down the pitch.

Utilising the width with extremely quick ball, England moved inside the New Zealand 22, and Tuilagi furrowed over from close range to put England into a seven-point lead.

“We stepped up to the plate today,” New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said.

“We played as well as we possibly could. We just got beaten by a better team.

“The team that took the game won the game. We have to take that on the chin.”

England will face either Wales or South Africa in next Saturday’s final in Yokohama.