'Geordie Haka' an internet sensation

The All Blacks' fearsome tribal war cry – the haka – has again been challenged after an Englishman's "Geordie Haka" became an instant internet sensation.

Newcastle man George Taylor shot from obscurity when he was filmed by the BBC performing his northern England-inspired haka, complete with new lyrics originating from the region.

Just like the world champion All Blacks, Taylor slaps his thighs and wanders across the field as he screams, in a thick Geordie accent, his unique war cry at the Monkton Stadium in Jarrow.

But that's where the similarities end with Taylor's haka seeming to centre more on his everyday life than confronting a fierce opponent.

"My brother looks like this," Taylor yells.

"My brother looks like that.

"My brother's working.

"It's not proper work, just done on the side."

Despite Maori leaders believing imitations of the haka are disrespectful, Taylor insists his version is not intended to cause any offence.

Taylor's "Geordie Haka", which has been seen by nearly two million people, closely follows the "Hakarena", another imitation led by former England scrum-half Matt Dawson meant to inspire the home fans at the Rugby World Cup.