Wallaby skipper George Gregan received huge support from the All Blacks yesterday - which could be construed as genuine admiration or a feeling the halfback is a liability to exploit.
Gregan's continued selection has drawn increased criticism during the Wallabies' losing streak in the Tri-Nations. There have been blurred official
denials this week that Saturday's test at Eden Park will be Gregan's 114th and last in the gold jersey.
"If you ask most Kiwis they would say they hope it is his last test," All Black assistant coach Wayne Smith said yesterday.
"He is probably the greatest Wallaby ever. He has been involved in some of their greatest test victories, he is a warrior, you never get on top of him. He has got a huge spirit and you can't say much more than that."
Form came and went but Gregan's soul and depth of spirit had seen him return to the top before.
"He knows the drums have been beating for him for a decade probably, from time to time, and he just keeps fronting," Smith said.
Criticism was a fact of life in modern sport. The coach and captain always got it in the neck first when teams did not function properly.
There were high expectations, there was plenty of money involved and people were always looking for scapegoats if sides were struggling.
"I would say, because of the character of the man, it probably inspires him more than anything."
