Bad boy: Aaron Smith
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has benched scrum-half Aaron Smith for breaking team rules ahead of Saturday's Test with South Africa in Dunedin.
Hansen said he wouldn't compromise on discipline and made it clear that the punishment for the unspecified breach - reported to be missing a curfew after last week's win over Argentina - was not up for discussion.
"There's nothing to elaborate on," he said.
"He just broke a protocol that's non-negotiable, and the consequence is you don't start in the XV if you break it,"
The emergence of the bullet-passing Smith, has been central to the All Blacks' unbeaten run this year.
And Hansen views the Springboks as the "ultimate" test.
24-year-old Smith's replacement is 62-Test veteran Piri Weepu, who produced a stirring performance when he came on for the last quarter of last week's 21-5 win against Argentina.
"They are a big side, they are physical and we have to match that physicality and passion and desperation they have got," Hansen said of South Africa.
"They have not a had great start to the championship so if we come in half-cocked, we could find ourselves on the back foot."
Although Weepu is not as quick as Smith to clear the ball, he does offer more composure - which could be significant for fly-half Aaron Cruden, who again fills in for the injured Dan Carter.
Comments
Willem says...
"......Hansen views the Springboks as the "ultimate" test....."
You cannot be serious? Really? A one dimensional side with a lunatic coach? It seems as if we have the curse of the coaches in SA.
Dont worry Hansen you will smash the Boks by 40 this weekend and your team will not even have to be at their best to achieve that. GO ALL BLACKS, SMASH this pathetic Bok team!
For the record I am a Saffa.
Posted 11:10 14th September 2012
tweedledee49 says...
@trinats, wrong article bro, Kurtley Beale article should be in the RC section....
Posted 08:54 14th September 2012
tha_mai says...
craigsman - you are the only person to mention beer. ?
Hansen and media have not - just that he was late on agreed curfew time in terms of their recovery programme. Decision was made by the senior player committee of McCaw, Hore, Carter, Read and C Smith. Most professional teams have in-house laws to ensure players maximise their physical recovery following matches.
georgesmith - from being an expert on your mate nathan sharpe now you are inside man on the abs? enough of your dribbling conspiracies. How could they drop him completely? there are just two halfbacks named in the RC squad, cannot bring in another player except in case of serious injury, and would not go into this or any match with no halfback reserve. get over it!
Posted 08:12 14th September 2012
johnputts says...
Wonder if Hansen has heard of 'wet bus tickets', if Weepu is injured in the 1st minute, who will he send on? And to think he is running the National team, gutless!
Posted 01:32 14th September 2012
georgesmith says...
It has got to A. Smith's head. His actions have caused quite a stir in camp and may come back to haunt ABs. Senior players are all very disappointed and I heard they wanted S. Hansen to drop him completely. Insiders say thhis player is trouble in the team even though he plays well.
Posted 00:44 14th September 2012
Trinats2 says...
I thought he was dropped because he played like crap last week ?
Posted 23:02 13th September 2012
backnforward says...
@ craigsman
A feeling of dejavu? Was it you who said the same about England players under Martin Johnson??!??!?
Posted 18:58 13th September 2012
Scan says...
Thank god that's all it was. I was afraid Weepu had been promoted on FORM! Phew!
Posted 17:18 13th September 2012
fattysock says...
@Craigsman
This is not a case of the media going crazy over something that everyone does in life. This is about a guy (in particular a new player to the team) breaking team rules. Quite different really.
However, if this is how you feel about team rules, then I'm glad I never had you as a team mate...
Posted 15:06 13th September 2012
Kiwikev says...
Fastest way out of the black jumper...
Posted 13:25 13th September 2012
craigsman says...
Rugby player drinks beer - shocker.
Posted 11:55 13th September 2012