Both Wyllie and Brewer questioned why the flanker had not been allowed to strap his foot for the medical while others like Michael Jones and Zinzan Brooke were given that dispensation.
Team Dr John Mayhew said there were no specific NZR instructions about the examination but Brewer failed the medical when he refused to stand on one foot and jump off the ground.
Colin Calcinai, chairman of the NZR medical advisory committee said Brewer could not raise himself onto his toes without the help of strapping and with that restricted range of movement, he was unfit for the demands of a World Cup.
Wyllie and his recently co-opted assistant John Hart were in rare harmony to challenge that decision while Mayhew argued that assessments were pointless if the medical committee decision was discounted.
There was a massive overnight flurry of activity with telephone discussions between the All Blacks, NZR and medics. NZR chairman Eddie Tonks backed the medical committee and said if Brewer broke down on tour, everyone would look ridiculous.
Eventually Brewer was left at home but the arguments about his omission did not fade because while the All Blacks were away, Brewer played several games for Otago who won the provincial title.
