The All Black management has attempted to turn the spotlight back on the controversial tackling style of Springbok first five-eighths Butch James.
On the eve of the Tri-Nations test at Eden Park, coach Wayne Smith yesterday hit out at James' tackling approach.
But it is a topic which has South African coach Harry Viljoen seeing red.
Smith, a former All Black No 10 himself, said James clearly had a problem with his tackling technique.
He was confident Australian referee Peter Marshall would deal with it tonight, without Smith's having to mention it in the duo's pre-test meeting.
James was cited in June for his dangerous, "armless" shoulder charge and banned for a couple of weeks.
He was sinbinned for a similar offence by New Zealand referee Steve Walsh after two warnings in last Saturday's 14-14 draw against Australia.
Several opposing coaches said James was lucky to have remained on the field on several occasions during the Super 12 competition, after making his big hits without using his arms to wrap up the opponent.
"The Butch James issue is a big one," Smith said.
"He does it game after game. He's clearly got a technical problem.
"He hits high without the arms and I'm sure that Marshall knows and he'll look out for that."
Smith's raising the issue again will have infuriated Viljoen. He refused to answer questions on the subject earlier this week, after saying they were working hard to overcome the problem.
Viljoen earlier admitted that James' tackling was an issue, and the player had special sessions to try to improve his technique.
* Sanzar wants tours to the Northern Hemisphere confined to six weeks in June and July and will submit that proposal to the International Rugby Board in September.
Sanzar partners New Zealand, South Africa and Australia plan to have a break for players between late November and January.
- NZPA
Smith slams James' tackling style
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