We didn't dob in Sir Clive, says NZRFU

By WYNNE GRAY

Rugby Union boss Chris Moller has revealed that the IRB asked for a recorded copy of England's second test against the All Blacks and the post-match comments from coach Sir Clive Woodward.

Moller conceded it was a flip-flop in the public explanation over the controversy, and hoped there would be no impact on Woodward's return next year with the British Lions.

The Lions are expected to announce final tour details late this week, and whether they have agreed to an extra midweek game at Eden Park, probably against Auckland.

Late last week, Moller's deputy Steve Tew confirmed that a copy of Woodward's scathing comments about the Eden Park match officials had been sent to the IRB. It seemed the NZRFU had complained about Woodward.

Tew was even quoted as saying: "We believe some of his [Woodward's] comments were interesting and have proactively sent a copy of the press conference to the IRB to look at."

But when the Herald quizzed Moller yesterday about any IRB reaction to the couriered package, the chief executive disclosed a different version of the episode.

"By way of clarification," Moller said, "we had an inquiry from the IRB and we thought the best thing to do given the inquiry was to supply them with the material. And in doing so we adopt a neutral position."

The request had come through the IRB referees manager, Steve Griffiths, in a discussion with his NZRFU counterpart, Keith Lawrence.

"I am not aware of us having any further communication with the IRB on the issue and not sure if the IRB intends to take any further action or not," Moller said.

In the aftermatch press conference, Woodward contended that the decision to send lock Simon Shaw off for kneeing All Black lock Keith Robinson was ridiculous and could have been influenced by the crowd's reaction to video replays at the ground.

"We could have issued a complaint to the IRB," Moller said, "but we did not do so. We could have complained to the RFU and didn't do so.

"We decided as they were not our officials being criticised it was not a matter for the NZRFU. We decided the best thing to do was supply the material.

"That does not rule out we may later on decide to take other action but in the first instance we believe it is for the IRB to consider."

Moller said the NZ union chose not to clear up the misunderstanding. If they tried to correct everything inaccurate in the media they would need a huge number of staff.

Time would tell, Moller said, if there were any repercussions for the Lions tour. But if players in New Zealand criticised referees it was important those matters were investigated.

Ironically Tew is at Euro 2004 this week as a guest of the All Blacks' main sponsor, adidas, but will not be involved in any joint public announcements with Woodward this week about the Lions.