Whoever said that sport and politics don't mix? Certainly it was coined long before the rugby-mad Jim Bolger and John Key were Prime Ministers.
You can now add Bill English to that mix. The big announcement on his day-long race around Tokyo was that the All Blacks are going to play the Japanese in November next year as a precursor to the Rugby World Cup there the following year.
On more than one occasion through the day English told audiences that he had nephews living in Osaka who are keen on kicking around the rugby ball, not surprising considering the size of the English brood who'd probably have enough players to field several teams.
Rugby Union boss Steve Tew, sounding as polished as any politician, was in town to jolly along the announcement. Of course, it's not an altruistic gesture by the ABs to display their skills to a Japanese crowd, they'll take away a bag full of loot from the gate takings from one of the big Cup venues, probably in Tokyo.
At the conclusion of the announcement Tew posed for a handshake with his Japanese opposite number and Japan's coach Jamie Joseph, perhaps to show Key that it is indeed possible without an awkward hand fumble. Not willing to take a chance perhaps, English had already scarpered.
