Rugby Asteroid

Just when you think the NZRU can’t do any worse, out comes a report blaming the World Cup loss on All Black skipper Richie McCaw. No names were named in the report released last Thursday, but you’d have to be blind freddy not to see the fingers were pointing in Richie’s direction. How so? Apparently 10 minutes before the end of the game, with the ABs down by 2, coach Graham Henry sent a message to Richie via Carl Hayman telling him to go for a field goal.

For whatever reason, that decision was not implemented. Perhaps the on-field “leadership team” didn’t fancy their chances relying on a back-up No. 10. Having dominated possession and territory in the second half, perhaps they thought that they would eventually get a penalty or a try. Henry has this week come out in support of Richie’s decision, but you have to wonder what the NZRU is thinking releasing a meaningless report that only opens old wounds for the sake of applying fresh salt.

Here we are in the middle of one of the biggest player-exoduses in history. All Blacks are queuing up to play for Northern Hemisphere teams. Four of the 15 who started against France have left. Dan Carter and Greg Sommerville may soon follow. AB fans are begging the NZRU to come up with a solution that will make it attractive for talented players to stay in the country and here they are pushing superstars like Richie toward the door. It beggars belief.

Up until now Richie has been the only AB star to insist he’s staying put – NZ is where he belongs. Well look behind you Richie, you’ve just been knifed by your employer. It makes you wonder if the NZRU is made up of closet Saffas and Aussies!