Rugby Union: Joseph receives 'severe reprimand': New Zealand management rebuked over secret punishment
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.REACTION to their loss to England last month has been swift and full of retribution in New Zealand. The flanker, Jamie Joseph, was 'severely reprimanded' for his careless - and late - footwork on Kyran Bracken, the England scrum-half, and the tour selectors - Laurie Mains, Neil Gray and Earle Kirton - were rebuked for their handling of the matter at yesterday's council meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union.
Joseph stamped on Bracken's ankle during the 15-9
defeat at Twickenham and did not play in the remaining two games of the tour. 'At the time the decision was kept within the team environment,' Eddie Tonks, the NZRFU chairman, said, 'but the council feels it is important to make public the details of the disciplinary
action in order that justice be seen to be done.'
There was futher bad news for Gray, the tour manager. He lost his job to Colin Meads, who played 55 times for his country. Peter Thorburn is
replaced as a selector by Lin Colling, a former Otago and Auckland captain.
So a tour record of a dozen victories, 42 tries, and scoring almost 400 points counted for nothing, or not very much.
The coach, Laurie Mains, managed to avoid the cull but he was criticised by the NZRFU for selecting Mike Brewer for the last week of the tour. Six provincial unions lodged objections with the NZRFU about the less-than- obvious decision to replace the injured Matthew Cooper, a utility back, with a loose
forward who happened to be in Britain on business.
His inclusion meant two fit loose forwards, Liam Barry and John Mitchell, watched both matches from the stands.
The old selection panel chose New Zealand sides who won 11 times in 16 Tests during the past two years. That record is good, great even, by other countries' standards but far from satisfactory for the ever- demanding All Blacks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments