All Blacks captain Kieran Read says his side aren't concerned with England coach Eddie Jones' comments about the haka, as the two teams prepare to meet at Twickenham tomorrow morning.
Fronting media yesterday, Jones joked that he wouldn't notice the haka, saying it was as important to him as a Spice Girls concert.
Speaking at his side's captain's run overnight though, Read made it clear that he wasn't paying any attention to what Jones or England make of the All Blacks' pre-match ritual.
"We do the haka as a challenge, but it's more about us connecting as a team," Read began.
"The opposition can do what they like. For us, we'll respect what they do, and hopefully the haka shows respect as well."
Read also played up the importance of the haka, with English media again questioning it's place in the modern game.
"It's part of the history of the game.
"I certainly get a kick out of it, and I'm sure the crowd does as well.
"It adds to the atmosphere, for me, I think it's a great part of the game that we need to keep doing."
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