The All Blacks, without a CEO or head coach, can still take aim at Australia. But is their timing off?
The New Zealand Rugby (NZR) ship is sailing smoothly, and the priority this week is to mock Australia for scheduling a clash with Hong Kong China. It's a light-hearted banter, a staple of the New Zealand and Australian diet, but the timing is crucial.
The All Blacks' Instagram post, since deleted, was an example of poor timing. It's easy to get carried away with the excitement of the tournament, but it's important to remember that the real competition is yet to come.
The 2027 Rugby World Cup is where the real action will be. The opening game between Australia and Hong Kong China is just a warm-up, and the All Blacks should be focused on winning the tournament, not accusing others of avoiding a fight.
The All Blacks' role is to support the tournament and the teams involved, not to dictate how others should handle their business. It's a friendly rivalry, but it's important to keep things in perspective and not let the excitement get the better of us.