England Rugby team could face fine for Haka face-off in semifinal

England's national Rugby team could be staring at a fine because of the V-shaped line they formed in relation to New Zealand's pre-match Haka formation. The English team players formed a V shape while facing New Zealand in their Rugby World Cup semi-final match on October 26. The English team could face a fine after many of their players crossed the half-line, which is considered to be against the 'cultural ritual protocol'. The decision will be taken by the World Rugby federation on October 28.

England's rugby team likely to face a ban

Photos of England captain Owen Farrell standing at the center of the V, smirking at the opposition team while they were performing their cultural ritual has garnered a lot of attention on social media. 

According to reports, the match officials had asked players such as Billy Vunipola, Joe Marler and Ben Youngs to move back as they had crossed the half-line but refused to listen to the instructions.

While speaking to a media outlet, Farell stated that everybody was aware that they had to stand behind the half-line of the pitch. All they wanted was to respond back to the All Blacks team in a respectful manner.

Read: Jimmy Neesham Upset Over New Zealand Loss To Eng In Rugby World Cup

A questionable step

The questionable step by the English team is said to be the idea of England's coach, Eddie Jones. After the match, Jones said that his team had earned another week in the tournament as their tactical discipline was great and the defense was rock solid. He also said that his team had grabbed the opportunity to attack during the match that resulted in a 19-7 victory over New Zealand.

Read: England Thrash New Zealand 19-7 To Enter Rugby World Cup Finals

Jones said that whenever one played against New Zealand, the opposition is never happy. He also said that even though New Zealand might be beaten in the match, but they are never really beaten and that is why the English team needed to go the extra mile. England's coach also said that his team had come to the World Cup to become the best so that is where the team was headed. 

England will now face South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final on November 2 to be played at the International Stadium, Yokohama, Japan.

Read: South Africa Grinds Down Japan 26-3 To Reach The Rugby World Cup Semifinals Against Wales

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(With inputs from agencies)