'HE KNEW'
OWEN FARRELL sent England fans into a hysterical meltdown by SMIRKING during New Zealand's rendition of the Haka.
The All Blacks were going through their tradition pre-match ritual, designed to intimidate opponents, when the camera panned to the Red Rose centre.
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During the Haka, England players started creeping towards the All Blacks players, as they too tried to gain a mental advantage over their opponents.
Rather than looking on in fear, England stared back with fierce determination - except Farrell, who could be seen smirking.
The stunt left England supporters crying with laughter, with Piers Morgan even tweeting: "He knew."
Louise Mensch wrote: "This was actually brilliant, and part of the psychological warfare that the Haka represents.
"#AllBlacks taken aback. Our boys make own visual, V for Victory. Owen Farrell’s confident, amused face. Undermined NZ before the whistle even blew."
Olympic hero Katherine Merry had her say, tweeting: "... but nothing beats Owen Farrell’s face during the haka ..."
Elsewhere, England fan Tom Bage said on Twitter: "Nothing in this game will top Owen Farrell's smirk."
Millie Sansoye said: "The Haka is awesome. Our response was even better. Owen Farrell’s smirk was the icing on the cake. COME ON LADS."
Ben Jeffrey said: "That Farrell smirk was Joker-esque."
Laura Cunningham said: "Yes Farrell that smirk! The Haka doesn’t scare us! Come on England"
Josh Walker said: "Little smirk by Farrell haha come on England"
But not everyone was happy with Farrell's expression, with England fan Kyle Hawkins furious.
He said on Twitter: "England Rugby proving once again why we are the most disrespectful team in the world."
And All Blacks supporters were furious, too, with one posting: "That smirk automatically means its going to be a long 80 minutes, its science. Farrell just signed his death wish."
One said: "That smug white boy smirk on Owen Farrell's face during the All Blacks' haka smh just because you have no culture to call your own.
"That Farrell smirk at a rugby tradition shows we have no respect for anything but glory. For the first time ever, I hope we now lose.
Ultimately though, it was England who had the last laugh who roared to a blistering 10-0 lead, before New Zealand clawed their way back into it.
But the Red Rose defended like champions as they ran out 19-7 winners in Yokohama - thanks to some stellar work from Maro Itoje and Co - sending fans wild.
The scoreline actually flattered the All Blacks, who hadn't lost at a World Cup in 12 years prior to Saturday, after England had TWO tries controversially chalked off.
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