Tri-Nations just so boring, says Kronfeld

By WYNNE GRAY in Sydney

Former All Black flanker Josh Kronfeld has joined the growing list of disenchanted Tri-Nations watchers, describing the Southern Hemisphere series as "boring and ugly."

He lamented the lack of attacking enterprise in this year's tournament and said it vindicated his decision to take his rugby talents to Britain.

In the five tests so far, the All Blacks, Wallabies and Springboks have scored nine tries between them, with two of those being penalty tries.

The All Blacks have four tries, and the Wallabies three. The Springboks have scored two, one of which - to Mark Andrews in Perth - came after a dubious decision from a touch judge.

"When I first made the All Black side in 1995, teams used to throw the ball around and score tries," Kronfeld said.

"Now we have three incredibly powerful sides with fantastic defences. There is a wealth of talent, which just cancels each other out. It is pretty boring and ugly rugby."

All Black No 8 Ron Cribb did not share Kronfeld's view, although he conceded he and his team-mates had been irritated at times in the series.

Cribb had found his second season of test rugby hard as he tried to balance being innovative and sensible against the tight defences.

Kronfeld first voiced his disgust in July after watching the All Blacks open the Tri-Nations with a 12-3 win in a kick-fest in Cape Town.

"It was a crap game, rubbish to watch, but that's how it goes in international rugby sometimes."