N.Z.’s WCup chief concerned at Aussie bashing

Neil Sands

Rugby World Cup chief Martin Snedden described New Zealanders’ treatment of Australian fans as “disappointing” Thursday, after fierce trans-Tasman rivalries took on a spiteful edge.

Australian fans complained of being spat on and abused when the Wallabies slumped to a shock defeat against Ireland in Auckland last weekend, identifying New Zealanders, not travelling Irish fans, as the culprits.

Australia and New Zealand have always enjoyed a healthy level of sporting one-upmanship but Snedden said it would be uncharacteristic if it had crossed the line into outright hostility.

“The overwhelming response here has been one of welcoming and supporting the visiting teams and their fans,” the Rugby World Cup 2011 chief executive told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Visiting

“If some visiting Wallaby fans have not been welcomed this way, we would be very disappointed as this would definitely be out of character with the way New Zealanders have looked after our visitors over the past two weeks.”

An online poll conducted by the Sydney newspaper found 61 percent of 10,500 respondents felt threatened attending a game with New Zealand rugby supporters.

WELLINGTON, Thursday (AFP)