The angry Kiwis accused England of being 'disrespectful' by turning their backs on the haka before last weekend's World Cup clash.

England's players huddled in a circle facing inwards while the Kiwis performed the traditional war dance.

Higham's former Wigan team-mate Thomas Leuluai said: "To be honest, I thought it was a little bit disrespectful – and a few of the boys said that. If that's how England want to approach the game, that's their choice."

But Higham, who will start Saturday's semi-final against the Kiwis, said: "There was no way that was the case.

"We were just preparing for the match. We did nothing out of the ordinary and I just think it was daft it was mentioned at all. As far as England are concerned, it wasn't an issue.

"We do the huddle before every game and that's we do – whether people do hakas at us or not. When our players want to pump each other up, that's what we do.

"The Kiwis are good lads and we didn't mean anything by it. The haka is an awesome sight, one of the greatest traditions in world sport, and we don't disrespect it.

"In fact, I had a brew and a chat with Thomas yesterday and the thing wasn't even mentioned.

"The New Zealand boys are staying just down the road and they are looking forward to Saturday's game just as much as us."

New Zealand have the psychological advantage after England threw away a 24-8 first-half lead and lost 36-24.

But Higham does not see it that way, adding: "Last week's result won't come into it – that's gone and forgotten now. If we play to our potential, then we can reach the World Cup final.

"We've had some stick since the competition started, but we are determined to get this one right.

"It was fantastic to be involved in the last game because it is a dream to play in a World Cup and I'm made up to be in the side again.

"I wasn't sure whether I'd get another chance, but I thought I did okay in the first half against New Zealand and I'll give my all on Saturday.

"I so want to play for England in a World Cup final."