In the game against England, the ref had his number, but most ref's can't see when he enters tackle areas from the side instead of the back, because he is so clever with his foot positioning, and the refs are watching the ball on the ground.
But it is illegal, and it gives NZ an illegal advantage in open play ball retention.
He's been getting away with it too much.
But I agree, he is probably the best player in the World in any position at the moment.
True... although anything can happen between now and then... (note my eternal optimism when it comes to the ABs)...
Be interesting to see how Martin Johnson shapes England between now and then, once he has settled in to the role better... Ciprianni should be 'at his peak' in 2011... if his ankle holds out that long...
There is a pattern. NZ has never lost a RWC match under a southern hemisphere referee. Only English and Scots can officiate poorly enough for them to lose.