Paul Rees wonders whether the All Blacks are being mollycoddled by the IRB in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup in The Guardian.
"Peter de Villiers earned himself a date with a disciplinary committee earlier this year after he suggested that referees were favouring the All Blacks because New Zealand was hosting the 2011 World Cup. The South Africa coach escaped censure but was told by his employers, not for the first time, to send the brake on his tongue in for repairs.
"De Villiers might have been tempted to have responded to the International Rugby Board's edict this month that teams who disrespected New Zealand's haka, or any of the war dances performed by the Pacific Island countries, by encroaching too close or reacting menacingly would be fined, but for the impending review of the Springboks' Tri-Nations and friendly international campaigns this year by the South African Rugby Union which is occupying his attention.
"The Australian team in the recent women's World Cup went home £1,000 poorer for advancing during the haka and breaking small print in the tournament regulations. The IRB deems the haka to be a traditional part of the game and one worth preserving; a pity it has not been so staunch in its defence of another traditional aspect of the game, rucking."
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