Smith defends 'loser' comment

Ian Smith

Cricketer-turned-commentator Ian Smith is making no apologies for a slip of the tongue at the medal presentation after the Super 12 final where he referred to the Waratahs as losers.

The remark, sparking a flurry of calls to talkback radio, was made when the medals were being handed out to the Sydney-based Waratahs after the Crusaders won their fifth Super 12 title 35-25 and Smith called the "losers" to the stage.

"There is a little girl in Australia who got 20 years for drugs. How bad are you if you think this is a story," an angry Smith said last night.

Several times during the presentation ceremony at Jade Stadium, Christchurch, he referred to the Waratahs as the runners-up.

"I did that presentation on behalf of the New Zealand Rugby Union and the New Zealand Rugby Union were more than happy with how it went.

"I spoke to, who were the side that lost, sorry, the side that came runners-up, the Waratahs, on numerous occasions after the presentation. Several of their players, the management, they didn't make it an issue."

Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs said he recalled Smith making the "loser" remark after congratulating the Waratahs on the way they played and their involvement in the game.

"On reflection and with a little bit more time, different words might be chosen, but let's not be too harsh.

"It's live, there are no second takes. No slight was taken."