Clark shrugs off Aussie jibes

Spear tackles may rattle Richie's bones, but words will never hurt Helen.

Prime Minister Helen Clark has shrugged off a jibe from an Australian who branded her a "funny old lady" over her comments about last Saturday's All Black rugby test against Australia.

Clark took the unusual step this week of speaking out about violence in the fiercely fought test, which saw Wallaby winger Lote Tuqiri suspended for a dangerous speartackle on All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

"I thought it was absolutely appalling," she said.

"We witnessed several acts of assault against the All Blacks captain, and it was very, very ugly to see."

But in comments reported by Sydney's Daily Telegraph, former Australian Rugby Union president Phil Harry rubbished Clark's statements as "a joke".

"I think it's ridiculous to have that funny old lady getting involved in a thing like rugby," he said.

Clark was unconcerned by the remark yesterday, saying simply that Harry should "get over it".

And she was equally unconcerned by comments from another Australian that McCaw, coach Graham Henry and the prime minister were just "three sheilas complaining".

She said she was proud to be mentioned in the same company as Henry and McCaw.