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All Blacks slapped on wrist after water boy Messam's technical breach

The Kiwis have been fined A$2,000 by SANZAR for a ‘technical zone protocol’ breach.

NEW ZEALAND HAVE been fined A$2,000 (approx. €1,300) for a technical breach during their win over Australia last weekend.

Brodie Retallick during the Haka Liam Messam was a water carrier for the Kiwis last weekend. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

The fine comes on account of Liam Messam, who was acting as a water boy for the Kiwis, entering the field of play while the match was in progress.

Those who watched the game live might remember the Chiefs flanker running onto the field to become tangled up in a bout of handbags, and SANZAR have moved to remind New Zealand that such actions are not acceptable.

Messam

While Messam did not act in a violent manner and was clearly attempting to calm the situation, the sight of him in full tracksuit, green ‘WATER’ bib and beanie hat in the middle of the pushing and shoving was an odd one.

Messam’s involvement “constituted a breach of technical zone protocol,” according to SANZAR, and they have slapped the Kiwis’ wrist with a fine that probably won’t cause the powers that be in New Zealand Rugby to lose too much sleep.

Water Boy

We fully accept that we breached the sideline protocols during the match on the weekend and we accept the fine,” said NZR chief executive Steve Tew.

“I have made it clear to the All Blacks team management that it was a mistake we can not repeat.”

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