All Black coach Graham Henry on Friday called for consistency from the International Rugby Board (IRB) when it dealt with incidents of foul play after a severe clampdown in the opening games of the World Cup.
With the tournament barely into its second week, the IRB has sent out a firm message to the teams that foul play will not be tolerated with four citings and suspensions from the opening matches.
South African flanker Schalk Burger was suspended for four matches, although this was cut to two on appeal, for a high tackle, England skipper Phil Vickery received two games for tripping, American Paul Emerick five matches for a dangerous tackle and Samoa’s Alfie Vaeluaga got one match for a dangerous tackle.
”We’ve talked about those suspensions, looked at them individually and discussed them,” Henry said ahead of Saturday’s Pool C game against Portugal at the Stade Gerland here.
”It’s a very important part of the tournament, to make sure you’re disciplined and don’t self-destruct.
”They [the IRB] are stricter than they have been in recent years in rugby. I’m comfortable with that, and I’m sure our team’s comfortable with that, as long as there’s consistency.
”Obviously we discussed it because it’s becoming an important part of the tournament.”
Henry added that he also wanted his team to improve their consistency on the pitch.
”We want to improve on what we did last week,” he said in reference to the 11-try 76-14 drubbing they handed out to an outclassed Italy.
”We want to play with greater quality for longer in the game.”
Henry, however, was supportive of Portugal’s participation in the World Cup, although the All Blacks are expected to post a huge score past the largely amateur side that was the last to qualify for world rugby’s showpiece event.
”I watched them play against Scotland last week,” said the former Wales coach of their doughty 56-10 loss.
”I was delighted with their enthusiasm and the support from their spectators was quite outstanding.
”There’s a huge amount of spirit in the side. I think they’re delighted to be here and they’re really enjoying their Rugby World Cup and that’s their goal.
”It’s important for Portugal [to be at the World Cup]. I’m sure they’re very excited about playing tomorrow [Saturday], and I’m sure the spectators are as well.
”I think it’s an important step in the development process.
”I’m not sure about the history, but Argentina haven’t always been as strong as they are now, and they’ve been through that process and got better and better and other sides will do the same.
”I think it’s important that they experience playing games against quality rugby sides and get better from that experience.”
The All Blacks captain against Portugal, Jerry Collins, agreed with Henry’s prognosis and warned that his side would not let up on the Portuguese.
”Who would have thought 10 years ago that Argentina would beat France in the opening game of the World Cup?” asked the tough flanker.
Collins added: ”Everybody’s pushing for spots and you can’t really take any game too lightly because the guys would take our shirt tomorrow in the battle for positions against the big teams later on in the tournament.
”The guys are really looking forward to it [the match],” he said, adding that they had not thought about the scoreline.
”The score will take care of itself if we play the way we’ve been training.” — AFP
