Crime and punishment
The IRB have come in for more stick from the media for their decision to fine Samoa’s Alesana Tuilagi for using the wrong gumguard and their failure to punish England for a blatant ‘balls-up’.
The IRB have already come in for some pretty heavy criticism for a number of different matters at the World Cup and there were a few more fingers pointed at them on Friday in response to what appear to be double standards that have prioritised profit margins over the rules of the game.
Samoa, whose financial difficulties are no secret, were fined $10,000 after Tuilagi wore a mouthguard sporting the wrong sponsors logo in the game against Fiji, while cash-flush England were merely slapped on the wrist after they had swopped balls ahead of two of Jonny Wilkinson’s conversion attempts in the game against Romania.
The message that this appears to send out is that the IRB place a higher value on protecting their commercial partnerships than upholding the rules of the game. However, the international ruling body defended their actions, explaining that ‘Ball-gate’ was an example of misconduct, and thus became a judicial matter.
New Zealand current affairs show Campbell Live decided to try and help the Samoans out instead of just complaining about the way they have been treated like the rest of the media.
Frontman John Campbell set up a ‘sausage sizzle’ in order to raise the funds to cover the fine. Later they were able to confirm on their show they had the fine covered, and would be forwarding the amount to the IRB.
There was some punishment handed out on the field as well on Friday when the Springboks took on Samoa in a brutal clash which kept referee Nigel Owens pretty busy.
The Samoans needed to win in order to keep their hopes of qualification for the quarterfinals alive and it showed as they tore into the defending champions, which inevitably spilled over into off-the-ball incidents.
Samoan fullback Paul Williams became the first person to receive a red card at the tournament after striking Heinrich Brussow in the face and Bok captain John Smit was sent to the sin bin for attempting to intercept a pass.
In the end the Springboks managed to hold their nerve and their discipline, in the face of some spirited provocation, to emerge 13-5 victors and secure a spot in the quarterfinals, ending Samoa’s tournament in the process.
Bearded ladies delight Canadians:
Canada flank Adam Kleeberger’s hirsute fashion statement has caught on among the crowds at the World Cup, something captain Pat Riordan described as “awesome”.
Kleeberger sports a huge beard, fake ones of which have been worn by increasing numbers of Canada fans, who often also don costumes like lumberjacks or mounties, the red-suited mounted policemen.
“The beards are pretty popular,” said Riordan, himself clean-shaven.
“I couldn’t believe it getting off the plane in Napier, there were little kids and old ladies who had the beards on. The bus driver had a beard on. So someone’s doing well there.”
Byrnes impressed by Russian resolve:
Russia’s Australian-born lock Adam Byrnes has been impressed with the hard-nosed attitude displayed by his new teammates from eastern Europe which he says compares favourably with the more priviledged Super Rugby and European Cup stars.
Byrnes should know having previously played for the current provincial champions in each hemisphere before joining Russia in their World Cup debut.
“There is a massive difference in attitude. They just shut up and get on with it. Basically, there is no complaining,” said Byrnes, whose maternal grandparents were born in the Soviet Union.
“You see [a guy] come out with [his] elbow completely bandaged up and there is something clearly wrong with him. The coach says, ‘What’s wrong?’ And he says, with a deadpanned face, ‘Nor-mal,’ and then trains away with what could be a broken arm.
“They’re very hard mentally.”
Royal seal of disapproval:
England captain Mike Tindall might find his in-laws tight-lipped when England take on Scotland on Saturday night in Auckland.
Tindall’s mother-in-law, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, is patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, while his brother-in-law Peter Phillips was capped by Scotland at school level.
When asked whether there were many messages from the House of Windsor, Tindall said: “No, not really. I just spoke to the missus (Zara Phillips). She did say that her mother (HRH Princess Anne) wished me good luck, but I’m not sure that came fully heartfelt. She’s very Scottish through and through in her heart. She’ll be hoping that they win the game, I think. I also get pride in proving her wrong.”
With thanks to RNS
