New Zealand rugby fans impress as All Blacks return home with shame
‘It’s how you win, not how you play the game’.
That seems to be the consensus among international media who have collectively dubbed the All Blacks ‘world class chokers’ following the exit of New Zealand, the pre-championship favorites, from the 2007 Rugby World Cup at the hands of France.
However, the players learned a good lesson as they returned home on Thursday to a warm reception by 2000+ fans.
It was only as they absorbed the overwhelming warmth of more than 2000 die-hard supporters, swathed in All Black colours, waving flags and clamouring for autographs, that some [players] allowed themselves a smile.
Unfortunately, the players also brought back some shame as reports of an All Black arrest became widely publicized. Doug, your timing couldn’t have been worse. I hope you practice a little more restraint in Munster next year. If you need an example of how to behave, just look to your fans…they seem to have it right.
(On Oct 11th, 2007 at 9:50 am)
That’s only because the fans decided the referee stole the match from them and have hence directed their hatred towards him by issuing death threats.
I wouldn’t be so hard on Howlett. He’s just getting accustomed to drinking heavily and being rowdy so he’ll fit in with all the Irish when he joins Munster.
(On Oct 12th, 2007 at 7:37 am)
Talking about which, Midi Olympique, the french rugby N°1 paper, made it certain, based on unseen video footage, that there has been no knock-on during France’s winning try run.
Instead it appears that, while tackling Traille, McCaw actually touches the ball and pushed it a little forward.
No more excuses for the All Blacks then.
(On Nov 21st, 2007 at 12:08 pm)
Howlett receives mysterious sanction yesterday at his conduct meeting.
(On Jan 3rd, 2008 at 11:28 pm)
The ref was wrong and the try that france scored should not have been a try. I watched it over and over again on my tv and the two passes that led to the try were forward.oh well its over now. That ref should not be allowed to referry any more matches at all.