Louisa Wall: Ructions in rugby and a fond farewell

What a curious week in sport, with the rugby world thrown into attack and counter-attack over what looked like the makings of a supposed vote-buying scandal that threatened to capsize our hosting of the 2011 World Cup.

There were accusations of our trading votes for All Black matches (specifically with Ireland and Argentina) and a pact between us and the South Africans. Internet chatrooms are riddled with conspiracy theories about how and why New Zealand was selected to host the cup.

I am glad that the International Rugby Board emphatically stated that there would not be another vote, in response to a letter on behalf of the Asian Rugby Union, who called for a recount and claimed the vote was unconstitutional and lacked transparency.

It was good to see the Asian union retreat from challenging our right to host the 2011 event, so now they can help Japan to get on with the job of developing a compelling proposal to host the 2015 World Cup.

The Asian union has a valid point about the transparency of the vote, which was supposed to be made public until a last-minute decision by the IRB not to reveal the way countries voted.

If the result was as close as the 11-10 reported, then the challenge for the Japanese if they want to host the 2015 event is to retain those votes that previously supported them and to get New Zealand to vote for them. But you don't do that by writing arrogant letters disputing the authenticity of the vote, and more pointedly, the rules as decided by the IRB.

And, good on All Black captain Tana Umaga for announcing his retirement from international responsibilities so early in the New Year. This makes it clear before the season starts where he stands and prepares others for such responsibilities.

He will be terribly missed and my money is now on the Hurricanes to win the Super 14, whereas before I was confident the Blues would win the inaugural competition. What a way for Umaga to bow out and head overseas.

All Black veteran and former captain Sean Fitzpatrick has a point that a leadership weakness has now been exposed in the All Blacks that could hinder our World Cup preparations.

We need a leader who everyone respects and looks up to, and who is the number one pick in his position.

Richie McCaw is our man when he is fit but if he is out of action as much as he was last year, then he might not be the best man for the job.

Then who is?

There is a wealth of experience in the team to provide the direction needed and coach Graham Henry has it under control.

The All Black midfield has now been blown wide open. Umaga will not be replaced by an individual but by a combination of players.

My pick from 2005 NPC form is the dynamic duo of North Harbour's Rua Tipoki and Anthony Tuitavake. Tipoki in particular has some of the leadership qualities now so vitally needed.

All in all, this has added a lot of pre-season spice and I can't wait for the Super 14 to kick off.