Dummy-spitting NZ Style

I'm in a hotel, early morning call to get to meeting in plenty of time, to get away in plenty of time to get to airport in plenty of time to allow for a quick pint before boarding the plane to AKL via LAX. Clear? Lovelyjubbly

Just had to write though after the ridiculous noises coming out of NZ Rugby's Steve Tew. Emotional blackmail twisted the IRB's arm to bankroll the tournament in New Zealand (which is being supported to the tune of millions of pounds to make up for the empty seats that were an obvious downside of an NZ Rugby World Cup - economy that size plus 4.5million inhabitants equals empty seats - at least till sheep are salaried and given driving licences....)

Tew is now saying that, given the commercial restrictions that the IRB place on participating nations, which are apparently draconian, the All Blacks who are (and I quote) "The brand leaders and big draws of international rugby" will possibly be forced not to participate in the 2015 version in England (which is in part there because of the guarantee that it will make money, which will in some way go towards patching up the IRB's bank account after the outpouring related to the 2011 Cup).

Time to stop taking the IRB hostage All Blacks. We get the point, your brand is strong worldwide, and everyone wants to watch you play. No doubt, you will twist arms further if/when you're crowned as Champions for the second time in a month or so's time.

Would you like all the remaining participating nations to pull out of this tournament now and go home? Citing the same reasons? Not being able to afford the remaining costs for the rest of the tournament? Big hole in New Zealand's profits were that to happen.... think of all the ticket refunds, and lost souvenir revenue, secondary and tertiary spends of all the spectators who cancel their flights......

Grow up and work with the IRB, not against them with all of this phoney posturing. While you're at it, try and build a team capable of winning the tournament outside of its own country..... ;-)

That is all for this short entry. I will see you from the other side of the world (after testing to see whether water does spiral down the drain in the opposite direction down there - I know, I know, it can go any way from anywhere).