All Blacks manager Andrew Martin in 2002. Photo / Getty Images
Bring back the colonel.
His work at some of the All Black training sessions was exceptional, especially when the former SAS operative reckoned there was some mysterious movement in the bushes at one Wellington training session.
Colonel Andrew Martin was off, stalking the culprits determined to interrogate and remonstrate heavily
had he found any sporting terrorists.
Now we have the 2011 All Blacks deciding to restrict public access to their trainings with the twin reasoning that they can do their work in private and children will get better access in school visits.
Seems pretty wishy-washy to me. Not that I discount the spying theories after several recent incidents involving the All Blacks.
A picture of coach Graham Henry and his playbook appeared in a Melbourne newspaper last year, three years ago they accused the Wallabies and Channel 7 of being in espionage collusion and security caught a photographer in camouflage gear in 2005.
But if everyone is invited in, say, to Monday's training where the All Blacks are getting over the aches and pains of the weekend, then the rest of the week can be restricted viewing.
Kids who want autographs can go to that Monday session and also watch their heroes run around.
Manager Darren Shand claimed their research shows school visits from the All Blacks were more beneficial.
To whom? The All Blacks? Kids have their particular autograph targets and they want to watch a range of blokes from Daniel Carter to Owen Franks do their stuff.
As for the All Blacks wanting to guard their intellectual property, most of their serious work is done away from prying eyes anyway. They will go to a gym or have other private sessions.
Most journalists turn up only to see whether someone falls over rather than unpicking the intricacies of whether the All Blacks do a dummy reverse cut on the hypotenuse from a short lineout in the opposition 22.
There have been times when espionage has taken place. Former Wallaby centre Nathan Grey was nicked taking notes at a session in Sydney in 2000.
But if the All Blacks want privacy they should train inside or have a complete shut out one day but not for the entire week.
Part of the problem is the poor communication from the All Blacks, the mixed messages from management or their media advisers.
No doubt we'll get a "what you jokers have to understand" message from assistant Steve Hansen, who's due to have a chat today.
