Cup deal 'done over a pint'

All Black great Colin Meads has revealed how a few beers with IRB delegates may have smoothed the way for New Zealand's 2011 World Cup win.

Meads, who was on New Zealand's bid-winning team, yesterday gave fresh insight into the wheeling and dealing behind the bid.

Prime Minister Helen Clark also revealed yesterday how she was told by NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs to rewrite her speech to the IRB after concerns it could portray New Zealand as conceited and arrogant.

Clark had initially intended to make reference to the success of the Lord of the Rings and New Zealand's 1987 World Cup win. "Jock was concerned to get the tone right - no gloating, no self-assuredness, no cockiness," said Clark's spokesman Mike Munro.

It has also emerged that Meads - and to a lesser degree IRB chairman Syd Millar - may have played a key role before the formal presentation in helping secure the win.

Meads was at a Wednesday night drinks session with Millar, hosted by the NZRU, on the eve of the big announcement in Dublin.

The Irishman worked the room, ensuring every IRB delegate was introduced to the depleted New Zealand contingent, which was missing Prime Minister Helen Clark.

"Syd was brilliant," said Meads.

"I know him well and played against him - he was in the '59 Lions as a prop forward. He'd introduce you to people you didn't know. It helped a lot."

Meads, 69, admitted he was more useful in the bar than when he made his speech to the IRB: "I was as nervous as I've ever been. It's a lot easier to say to a fella over a beer, 'you better vote for us'.

"Jock invited all the IRB for drinks. After a couple of practice runs, Brian Lochore was left on his own with them. After that we mingled and I was probably of more value on that side of it - talking about rugby, saying 'big decision tomorrow'. It was very brief, at the most two hours. But it's a lot easier to speak with people in that environment."

In the build-up to New Zealand's presentation, nerves were getting not only to Meads but also to Hobbs and NZRU chief executive Chris Moller.

"Jock and Chris were strung like a banjo about to pop," said Meads. "But I was terribly impressed with the work that they had put into it. Then to have Helen Clark and Tana [Umaga] there - he was the icing on the cake. I said bugger all."

Meads said Clark was "bloody brilliant", but he had special praise for Hobbs and Moller. "They carried the day." he said Hobbs' speech was passionate and moving and "got me worked up".

Another reason for New Zealand's success may have been the way the bid tugged on the IRB's purse strings as well as its heartstrings, emphasising tax and injury compensation advantages for visitors.

While the Government won't provide cover for egos bruised by the All Blacks, ACC relief will be available to players, officials, supporters and other tourists for any injuries - sporting or otherwise - sustained while here in 2011.

New Zealand's no-fault ACC system is unique - in other countries an injured party might sue for compensation from whoever is responsible.

The bid document also highlighted the double tax treaty between New Zealand and Ireland (where the IRB is based) which could provide tax breaks for tournament profits.

Players and World Cup employees will also be exempt from income tax, provided they aren't residents and don't stay in the country too long.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY