Assistant backs coach Tabai Matson of the Crusaders looks on during the Super Rugby practice match between the Hurricanes and the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images.
New Zealand Rugby can't hide in its bunker on the Tabai Matson controversy.
NZR chief executive Steve Tew needs to tell the punters what its role has been in Matson's not-so-secret talks with the Blues - as revealed in today's Herald - which threaten to disrupt the Crusaders' title bid.
Matson, an assistant to Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, has been speaking with the enemy. John Kirwan's fight for survival and bizarre succession plan plus Matson's long term ambitions are appearing to take precedent over the title claims of Blackadder's mob. Kirwan has clearly hopped in early to cut opposition to his survival off at the pass, requiring running mate Matson's premature involvement.
The Crusaders have every right to be suspicious and annoyed that a key man is distracted and his loyalties already divided, if that is their position. The Herald sources revealed Matson actually travelled to Auckland this week and talked to the Blues board and players. This is staggering, and leaves the Crusaders with the decision over whether to immediately cut Matson - who they wanted to keep - adrift.
Far too many of New Zealand rugby's dealings go on behind closed doors, with any public interest regarded as a nuisance. Under New Zealand rugby's centrally controlled system, the Super Rugby coaches are employees of the national union. Either Matson travelled to Auckland behind the NZR's back - which seems highly unlikely - or else he is negotiating with official approval. Either way, the Crusaders may have left Matson in peace for now, not wanting to distract the title bid, only to have the Blues jump in.
