England rugby team 'fearing New Zealand revenge' after controversial Joe Marler comments

George, however, holds a different view. "Growing up as a big rugby fan it was always something I enjoyed watching," he told reporters.

"I've been lucky enough to face it a few times. I love the history of it," he told reporters.

The skipper acknowledged his disagreement with Marler, stating, "Joe and I, we don't always agree on everything, so we disagree on this certain topic."

George fears Marler's comments may have provoked the All Blacks ahead of Saturday's clash at Twickenham.

"He's sort of prodded the bear a little bit," George admitted.

"To be honest with you, it's classic Joe. He's always been a little bit close to the line, hasn't he, I suppose, with certain social media posts?"

The England captain revealed he had spoken to Marler about the incident.

"We've chatted a little bit this week and I just said, 'cheers mate, thanks very much!'" George quipped.

Assistant Kevin Sinfield added wryly, "It is not like Joe to throw a hand grenade in, is it?"

England are considering a response to the Haka before Saturday's match at Twickenham.

George revealed, "We'll have a little chat about it, myself and some of the senior players, but, yeah, there might be something."

The captain emphasised the importance of respectful responses, stating, "I think as long as it's respectful, yes [responses are a good thing].

"If it comes from the right place, yes."

George highlighted the unique atmosphere the Haka creates at Twickenham.

"What I love about the haka at Twickenham is you hear the noise, you hear the theatre that comes with the haka," he said.

"It's the cheering, all the chanting that goes on with it. That's the stuff that makes rugby special.

New Zealand's head coach Scott Robertson responded to Marler's comments, suggesting the prop "could have articulated himself a little bit better".

Robertson emphasised the importance of the Haka to the All Blacks, stating, "The haka for us is a custom, it's a part of who we are, it's our DNA."

He added that any responses to the Haka should be respectful.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• Ruud van Nistelrooy comes out fighting over Man Utd star after Leicester win - 'It was not true'
• Emma Raducanu's former coach makes feelings clear on tennis star after she 'had Porsche taken away'
• Jake Paul told to call off Mike Tyson fight as boxing fans sent into a frenzy

All Blacks flanker Sam Cane claimed Marler "knew exactly what he was doing" with his remarks.

Robertson praised England's V-formation response to the Haka before the 2019 World Cup semi-final, describing it as "awesome".