English rugby writer Stuart Barnes has never been one to shy away from criticising the All Blacks for their perceived transgressions and this time he basically labels them cheats. The 2015 World Cup-winning combination had that maddening, magnificent mix of positive virtues and cynical vices. So do this lot.”But one has to wonder does Barnes, a former England first five-eighths, truly grasp the game’s intricacies, is he venturing into the refereeing territory with his assessments, or does he hate the All Blacks? He also questioned the All Blacks’ ability to avoid punishment for their “sneaky little ways” - but that raises a thought-provoking thought of another sort. Is it possible the All Blacks’ rugby intelligence and understanding of the game gives them an advantage?

Source: New Zealand Herald October 26, 2023 01:36 UTC