By WYNNE GRAY
Ireland's most capped cricketer controls today's All Black test with France.
Alan Lewis played 122 times for his country as a batsman and captain, including two matches against New Zealand sides led by John Wright and Ken Rutherford. A knee injury ended his career.
But it is as a rugby
referee that he has come into more notable contact with New Zealand.
The 37-year-old Dubliner was in charge of the All Blacks 1997 tour game against England A at Leicester, and was involved in some heated pre-match controversy about the length of the All Blacks' sprigs.
There was talk about the All Blacks refusing to play that game, and Lewis admits that unsettled him and his control of the match.
He moved on from this incident to referee his first test a year later and today's game will be his eighth international.
Lewis is enthusiastic about the atmosphere expected in Wellington Stadium. He says he will help not hinder the game. "I would be regarded as a player-sympathetic referee, with a propensity and willingness to let the game flow."
He has been dismayed by some recent comments on rough play.
"It is up to the players and managers to sort it out. I will referee what is put in front of me."
If he could leave Wellington without too much fuss he would consider his first trip here a success.
