As every good student of English literature knows, insinuation can be a powerful tool for authors.
What is implied can often be the better way to make a statement and while he's not likely to be penning any best sellers in the foreseeable future, Pumas coach Michael Cheika demonstrated in the wake of his side's stunning 25-18 victory in Christchurch that he knows how to use insinuation to guide the audience towards his way of thinking.
The former Wallabies coach, who was always magnanimous and insightful whenever he steered his former side to their few victories against the All Blacks between 2014 and 2019, continues to be compelling theatre now that he is charge of the Pumas and still has a wonderful ability to not only mastermind highly charged and effective performances, but also land a few telling verbal blows.
It was when he was asked about what he felt the victory might mean for Pumas No 8 Pablo Matera, who spent the Super Rugby season playing for the Crusaders, that Cheika took his chance to play to the local audience and in doing so, make clear that he's surprised New Zealand Rugby continue to ignore the merits of promoting Crusaders coach Scott Robertson to the national setup.
Cheika said: "I think that the Crusaders have made a really huge mark, and Scott Robertson has made a really huge mark on Pablo. He came here to learn more about rugby, didn't come here for money or anything like that, and it shows the quality of the franchise and the coaching here, he's come back a heaps better player - mentally and technically.