All Black Management Fined
Just when you thought you had seen it all something new crops.
The elder Pliny wrote that there was always something new coming from Africa. Not just Africa, it seems, for this recent novelty is from New Zealand.
During the first half of the Bledisloe Cup match, New Zealand vs Australia, at Eden Park in Auckland. There was a scuffle when the Wallabies were cross with Ma'a Nonu. Several players were gather in a bout of cantankerous pushing and shoving, and suddenly there was a water-bearer in the midst of them, trying to restore peace, it seemed.
The water-bearer had a beanie on his head and a green bid saying WATER. And then a sight of his face revealed that he was Liam Messam, a 31-year-old, 30-cap All Black flank.
SANZAR were not amused. They decided it was a breach of the law.
6.A.5 Entering or leaving the playing area
(b) Persons carrying water for the players may only enter the playing area during a stoppage in play for an injury to a player.
As a result SANZAR has fined the All Blacks team management A$2000 (NZ$2249/US$1474/GB£942/ZAR19000), which is unlikely to break the bank.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew said: “We fully accept that we breached the sideline protocols during the match on the weekend and we accept the fine. I have made it clear to the All Blacks team management that it was a mistake we cannot repeat."
Photo: The scuffle. Messam's beanie is just visible behind Moore's head.
