Irish peeved at Sky over missing Rokocoko tapes

Two Irish complaints over tapes of the second test against the All Blacks got short shrift from the New Zealand union last night.

Ireland claimed they were denied the chance to consider a possible citing on a first-half incident involving All Black wing Joe Rokocoko because they had not received the relevant tapes after the match. Citing complaints must be laid within 12 hours of a test finishing.

And in a separate move, the Irish management were peeved that Sky opted not to hand over additional tapes to the tourists, which is often done as a goodwill gesture.

However, New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Chris Moller last night maintained the correct procedures were followed on the judicial issue, as an Irish management official was given a copy of the tape around midnight, which included all angles requested by Brown.

"We're entirely satisfied that appropriate processes were followed," Moller added.

And Moller fully backed Sky's right to retain their additional tapes. He stressed the two issues were unrelated.

Citing Commissioner, and former Scottish international, Peter Brown reviewed the tape of the test and decided nothing needed following up, he said.

The Irish received their copy in good time but took no action based on that tape.

As for the extra end-on view of the test, it is left to the broadcaster's discretion to hand over those tapes, often sought by teams as analysis aids.

Ireland had not endeared themselves to the broadcasters by refusing to allow cameras into their dressing rooms before both tests, in Hamilton and then Eden Park on Saturday night, and not making captain Brian O'Driscoll available for an on-pitch interview after both tests.

Essentially, in a mutual back-scratching exercise, Ireland had failed to play ball. Most visiting teams, and the All Blacks when overseas, fulfil host broadcasters' wishes in pre and post-match coverage requests.

"We're disappointed Ireland chose to do that," Moller said last night. "I find it difficult to understand why you would not work in with the host broadcaster to do the best for your fans."