As the Blenheim police trekked into work one man was more than willing to talk about the weekend rugby disaster.
Decked out in Australian gold, stand-in police chief Superintendent Peter Woite was all smiles.
"There is no better time to be in New Zealand. I just had to take the moment toenjoy it with my staff but I must say they have been less than appreciative about it," Mr Woite said.
An Australian Rules player in his day in the top league in South Australia, Mr Woite is no stranger to sporting passion but he said he was amazed at the level of feeling surrounding New Zealand's national game.
He lives in Adelaide and is in this country on a three-month job exchange with his Marlborough counterpart, Inspector Steve Caldwell.
"Before the game I appreciated that rugby is the number one sport in the country but it has been interesting to be here at this time. The staff are still quite devastated by it," Mr Woite said.
After a trip to The Warehouse, where the Australian jersey had instantly been reduced to half price, Mr Woite was all set to rub the victory in.
"I wore it to breakfast this morning at the Air Force base where I am staying and the reception was just as bad. People are actually mourning at the base, it has been quite a thing to see in itself."
Mr Woite said the final against England would generate a huge amount of interest in Australia, who saw the team as "the great enemy".
"England have been the number one team over the year but having won the semi anything can happen. I must say I am looking forward to the All Blacks winning on Thursday so my staff are happier."
