What century do Super Rugby's Chiefs live in? Their "Mad Monday" escapade after losing the semifinal to the Hurricanes last weekend was the kind of dumb, cloddish nonsense that went down in all-male gatherings last century. Even then, a woman paid to strip for their entertainment should expect her rules to be respected.
These days it is a wonder this form of entertainment still exists. As All Blacks coach Steve Hansen commented, "The one thing I do know is there is a massive lesson about Mad Mondays - just kick 'em for touch. You don't need them."
He was referring to a tradition that has had its day. It is the kind of mindless, end-of-season blow-out where too much beer is drunk and weaker characters are at risk of forgetting they are professionals in the public eye, with the reputation of rugby to consider if they have no concern for their own.
It may be taken from Hansen's reaction that if any All Blacks, or players he has his eye on, were among those who did not respect the performer's limits last Monday night, their careers could suffer.
Hansen and Sir Graham Henry before him have made it known that character has been part of their assessment of a player's suitability for the All Blacks. In language every man understands, they do not want "dickheads".
