Rugby ref to intervene in All Blacks, Springboks pre-Test war
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DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AFP) - Rival Springboks and All Blacks coaches are to meet referee Matt Goddard before Saturday's second rugby clash in an attempt to stop an escalating war of words spilling onto the field.
All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith fired the latest shot in the verbal sparring match on Thursday when he accused the South Africans of trying to influence Goddard with their criticism of the way the All Blacks won the first Test 19-8.
Sniping from both camps following the intensely physical encounter has forced International Rugby Board (IRB) referees boss Paddy O'Brien to call them together before Goddard on Friday in an attempt to ease the tension.
Accusations this week have included South African coach Peter de Villiers charging All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock of cheating, and saying that's why the world champion Springboks had trouble at scrum time.
Springboks captain John Smit who was picked up and hurled to the ground by Brad Thorn objected to the one-week suspension for the All Blacks lock and claimed the New Zealanders are protected by the rugby judiciary.
The Springboks are also angry that Smit suffered a groin strain in the tackle and will not be able to play in the second Tri-Nations Test.