8.00am - By DANIEL GILHOOLY
CARDIFF - There was a public apology -- sort of -- from jokester Welsh assistant rugby coach Scott Johnson today following his uncomplimentary description of New Zealand when the All Blacks arrived here earlier this week.
Australian Johnson, who described New Zealand as "a poxy little island
in the Pacific", opened today's Welsh team press conference with a special message for the media.
"After a conversation that was private and has now been displayed around the world, I do make an apology," he said, grim faced.
"I wasn't misquoted, I just got it slightly wrong ... it's actually two islands."
To laughter, Johnson then unveiled a black t-shirt presented to him by his team. The back read "I Love Kiwis" and the front said "Kiwi Target Practice" next to a bullseye.
Johnson, who played first five-eighth for Australia under-21 and New South Wales, began his job in Wales in early 2002 when former assistant Steve Hansen took over from the departing Graham Henry.
Hansen and Henry have returned this week in charge of the All Blacks and weren't surprised Johnson has unleashed another of his famous one-liners.
"Scott's just being comical as usual. You never take him seriously, why start now?" Henry said.
- NZPA
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