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The All Blacks are universally regarded as one of the toughest, most ruthless and professional international rugby teams around. They are revered as the pinnacle of sporting achievement for any New Zealand male.
Others have claimed the All Blacks’ success has been built on a brutal style of play that boarders on thuggery. Is it just me, or are the modern All Blacks, under Graham Henry and now Steve Hansen, playing a cleaner game?
New Zealand rugby history is littered with stories of players taking the law into their own hands when deemed necessary. Probably the most renowned story involved Kevin Skinner coming out of retirement to play the 1956 Springboks in order to allegedly mete out retribution to both opposing props, Jaap Bekker and Chris Koch, leading to a famous series victory.
In more modern times Richard Loe is an All Blacks player who became synonymous with illegal on-field behaviour. In comparison to Skinner, Loe’s antics are much less highly acknowledged or regarded. Colloquially nicknamed ‘Dick Pokai’ (poke eye) after graphically eye gouging fellow All Black Greg Cooper in a domestic match, Loe holds a most unenviable place in the annals of New Zealand rugby folklore.
Cyril Brownlee, in 1924, and Colin Meads, in 1967, remain the only All Blacks to be sent off in a Test match. Many older Australians will never forgive Meads for prematurely ending the career of then Wallaby captain Ken Catchpole by unceremoniously extracting him from a ruck and tearing groin muscles in the process that ultimately led to his retirement.
Over the last 10 years it’s difficult to remember any instances of serious foul play committed by an All Blacks player. Yes, Dane Coles was yellow carded last year against England for petulantly aiming a kick at an opposing player, as he lay prone on the ground.
Brian O’Driscoll would certainly point the finger at Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu over that tackle in the opening minute of the 2005 Lions Test series. Despite reports of the existence of “conclusive” video evidence supporting O’Driscoll, I haven’t seen it.
Our South African friends have twice questioned efforts from Liam Messam in tackle situations. One led to the sending off of Bismarck du Plessis when he received the first of two yellow cards, then last year Messam was penalised for a high shot on Schalk Burger which resulted in a match-winning penalty for the Springboks and ended the All Blacks’ unbeaten run.
These days the All Blacks seem determined to eliminate illegalities from their game and to focus on a playing style that dominates and overwhelms the opposition. Discipline, discipline, discipline is the oft heard mantra extolled by All Blacks coaches and senior players. While no one could claim the All Blacks are choirboys, evidence suggests they seem determined to ‘turn the other cheek’ when faced with opposition provocation.
Of course, not all Kiwi rugby players are committed to playing a clean game.
Dylan Hartley, New Zealand born and bred but representing England, seems determined to rival the reputation and notoriety of Richard Loe. Hartley’s ill discipline on the rugby paddock has seen him suspended for more than 50 weeks of his professional career. Most recently, he received a shockingly short three-week suspension for smashing his elbow into the face of an opposing player.
Despite six suspensions, numerous yellow and red cards, Hartley remains defiant, saying he is sick of being singled out for criticism and later going on to describe critics as “snakes”.
Australia and the Wallabies have their own version of Hartley in their midst. Scott Higginbotham is an incredibly gifted rugby player yet he continues to indulge in illegal play on the field. More often than not the target of his indiscretions seems to be Richie McCaw.
To be fair, unlike Hartley, Higginbotham is more pest than out and out thug, but his antics are no less welcome on the rugby field. Two years ago, TV cameras caught him rabbit punching McCaw in the face, at the bottom of a ruck. Last week, playing for the Rebels, he “clumsily” kicked McCaw in the head as he entered a ruck.
With the recent second retirement of Bakkies Botha, the Springboks have lost their only player who too frequently overstepped the mark on acceptable play. Of course the Boks will always be physical and uncompromising, as evidenced by the likes of Schalk Burger and Eben Etzebeth.
Burger is amazing, he consistently plays with a total disregard for the safety of his own body, and that of his opponents. Despite being suspended during the 2007 World Cup and an indiscretion against the Lions in 2009, for eye gouging no less, his reputation remains largely intact.
With the Rugby World Cup fast approaching, actions like those from Hartley and Higginbotham can’t be allowed to continue within the game. The IRB or powers that be, need to take clear and decisive action to ensure that recidivist offenders will not remain on the field of play or be selected for their teams.
The ICC gave players like David Warner a clear message just before the start of the Cricket World Cup. I suggest their actions were almost too late. Rugby at least has six months to go before the start of its showpiece tournament. The time to act is now.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.