AUCKLAND – The All Blacks team management have been handed a NZD$2000 fine from SANZAR for a breach of technical zone protocol during New Zealand’s 41-13 win over the Wallabies in Auckland on Saturday.
Water carrier for the All Blacks, Liam Messam, entered the field During the 29th minute after a push and shove incident between New Zealand and Australian players. Under tournament rules, water carriers aren’t permitted to enter the field during play.
In addition to the NZD$2000 fine, New Zealand were issued with a breach notice with New Zealand’s team management accepting full responsibility for the incident.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew accepted full responsibility on behalf of the All Blacks and said he’d gone to lengths to make sure it didn’t happen again.
“We fully accept that we breached the sideline protocols during the match on the weekend and we accept the fine. I have made it clear to the All Blacks team management that it was a mistake we can not repeat.”
According to news reports, the Waikato and All Black flank had received a stern word from All Blacks’ team management following his actions as water carrier on Saturday.