Apparently we need to control ourselves.
That’s according to New Zealand sports journalist Duncan Johnstone, who has slammed the Irish media’s reaction to Saturday’s 21-9 defeat at the heavy hands of the All Blacks.
New Zealand’s victory was deserved, there are not many disputing that, but the cynical and brutal tactics from the visitors left a sour taste in the mouths of those in the Aviva Stadium last weekend.
Robbie Henshaw was stretchered off just ten minutes into the game after sustaining a crunching concussion via the shoulder of the unpunished Sam Cane, Malakai Fekitoa was handed a one-week ban for his tackle on Simon Zebo’s neck and there was not even a feigned attempt at wrapping his arms by Israel Dagg when he cut CJ Stander’s afternoon short with a hit straight to the crown of his head.
It was ugly, it was ruthless and it’s something that we should stop talking about, apparently.
Johnstone, in an opinion piece for Stuff.co.nz, has ridiculed the Irish media and fans for criticising the physicality and, at stages, outright rule-breaking of New Zealand.
“Sadly, it seems the Irish are the new whingers of World Rugby,” Johnstone writes.
“It’s a term we Kiwis have traditionally reserved for the English, the ‘whinging Poms’ of the game.
“But the outpouring of Irish outrage against the All Blacks following their 21-9 win in Dublin last weekend has been the equal of anything that has emerged from Fleet Street on previous tours.”
After accusing Ireland of adopting a “mightier than thou” mentality after their historic victory over the All Blacks in Chicago, Johnstone went on to suggest that the upcoming French test will be one in which aggression is embraced, rather than ridiculed.
“It’s time to move on Ireland. The All Blacks already have.
“They will enjoy their time in Paris where physicality and pushing the boundaries have long been a trademark of the French game.”
He can expect quite a few notifications throughout the day, we’d imagine.
@djohnstoneffx Better to be the new whingers than the persistent cheats like the All Blacks
— Paddy Murray (@paddytmurray) November 23, 2016
@djohnstoneffx remember the facts the whingers didn’t cite anyone , the Irish have shown NZ plenty respect always have..get over yourself.
— steve crowley (@SteveCcork) November 23, 2016
@djohnstoneffx Great generalisation of the Irish you tool
— Dylanesque (@Dylanesque22000) November 23, 2016
@djohnstoneffx You’re justifying a cynical & a win-at-all-costs approach regardless of player welfare. Neccessary for best team in world?
— John Mc Avinue (@JohnMcAvinue) November 23, 2016
@NZStuffSport you resort to name calling and call us whingers? Pot and kettle? You remind me of Australia. #irevsnz #whingers #rugby
— conor (@fergiebavf1) November 23, 2016
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