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LYON - The All Blacks could conveniently play the ignorance card today when quizzed on South Africa's shuddering 36-0 rugby World Cup whitewash of England.
The Springboks turned on the most imposing performance by any team so far at the tournament in Paris on Saturday (NZ time), shutting out the lacklustre defending champions with a mix of power and efficiency which suggests they will coast through their side of the draw to reach the final at the same Stade de France venue on October 21.
Rather than be drawn into any psychological warfare about the team who appear their greatest threat for the title, All Blacks coach Graham Henry was able to neatly deflect questions.
"I haven't seen it actually, I will do," he said.
"Apparently England will be disappointed and South Africa will be pretty pleased. Is that a good summary?"
Members of All Blacks management travelled to the game but it seems very few of the coaches or players in Lyon made an effort to watch the match, which kicked off at 9pm here.
Many claimed they were asleep, an early night needed to best prepare for the game against Portugal.
Second five-eighth Aaron Mauger said the team had no policy on watching other games at the tournament. It came down to personal preference.
Mauger admitted he watched the first 20 minutes at Paris before switching out the lights.
"I saw enough to know what was going to happen," he said.
- NZPA
