All Blacks fined for Messam incident

Cape Town - Southern Hemisphere governing body, SANZAR, has issued the All Blacks' team management with a breach notice following an incident that occurred during the Bledisloe Cup Test between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park last Saturday.

Under tournament rules, water carriers are not permitted within the playing enclosure while the match is in progress.

Liam Messam, who was acting as a water carrier for the All Blacks, entered the field of play during the 29th minute which constituted a breach of technical zone protocol.

The All Blacks' team management accepted responsibility for this breach and has been issued a fine of A$2 000.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew commented: “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 cannot repeat."

New Zealand won the match 41-13 to retain the Bledisloe Cup.