Masoe still smiling despite ref's yellow card fever

After a memorable debut against Wales, Chris Masoe's test career went from sublime to ridiculous at Twickenham yesterday.

The Taranaki-turned-Wellington flanker was one of the key performers in the All Blacks' win but played only 57 minutes of the match despite not being injured or substituted.

Masoe had to leave the field for the sinbinning of props Tony Woodcock and Neemia Tialata and, in his first act after returning, he pinched a turnover and was sinbinned himself.

Masoe was told only on Friday morning he was playing after Richie McCaw ruled himself out due to a head injury.

He'd been tipped off early in the week that he might be required.

Forwards coach Steve Hansen gave Masoe a big tick despite his late blemish.

"We've got another bloke who's performed on the top stage and performed very well," Hansen said.

"It was just his second test, there's still a lot left in him as far as growing his game goes. Out of disappointment for Richie we've got a huge plus."

All Blacks coach Graham Henry had no public issues with Lewis' refereeing, and said he wasn't best pleased with his team conceding a flood of second-half penalties and would closely view the video footage tomorrow.

Flanker Jerry Collins, one of the All Blacks' standouts, had a novel take on Lewis' card frenzy.

"For a minute there I thought the referee was working at the airport - the way he was waving yellow cards I thought a Boeing 747 was going to land in the middle of the field," Collins said. "He had a good game, we've just got to learn to play it as he calls it."

- NZPA