New Zealand slammed World Cup organisers for being “disrespectful” following revelations they were pre-booked on a flight out of England after the semi-finals.
The prediction by tournament officials that the Kiwis would not reach the final proved accurate, but New Zealand did not appreciate the early call to book their flights home from Manchester for the day after their semi-final with Australia in Leeds.
Skipper Jesse Bromwich couldn’t hide his frustration on the issue following his side’s heartbreaking 16-14 loss to Australia on Saturday (AEDT).
“I don’t really want to talk about that too much,” Bromwich said. “It’s pretty disrespectful. I don’t really want to talk about that to be honest.”
The Herald reported during the week that, before the tournament, World Cup organisers were forced to predict when teams would be eliminated so they could put a hold on flights.
The Kiwis, ranked No.1 in the world, learnt Australia’s flights were scheduled for after the final at Old Trafford the following week.
New Zealand after their loss in Leeds.Credit:Getty
It would have cost tournament officials more than $350 a ticket to change the flights if the Kiwis had sprung an upset against the reigning champions on Saturday. Australia’s comeback win saved the World Cup $10,000 in change fees.
Brandon Smith echoed his skipper’s sentiments.
“I think we did [find it disrespectful], and I think pretty rightly so,” he said. “But we tried to use that as motivation. In a way it was a good thing – something like that is pretty good fuel for the fire. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get it done.”
In the lead-up to the game, New Zealand great Tony Kemp said there was a history of his country being disrespected at major tournaments.
Jesse Bromwich after the semi-final defeat at Elland Road.Credit:Getty
“They put them in terrible hotels, they always have done,” Kemp said on SENZ Breakfast.
“They give them the worst fields to train on and the English and Australians have treated them like that for years. Was I surprised when I read that? Not at all.”
New Zealand coach Michael Maguire was full of praise for his side’s efforts in Leeds.
The former South Sydney and Wests Tigers coach said Australia are not as dominant as they once were.
Peta Hiku is denied the potential match-winning try.Credit:Getty
“I really believe they are closing the gap in a big way at this level,” Maguire said.
“Our players being able to play more games at this level, [they] then learn how to find the moments on what it takes to win it. In saying that, we had a couple of moments that, if it went our way, it’d be a different story. But I’m really proud.
“It was one helluva game, and it was down to the bounce of a ball. That’s what a Test match is all about. There were a couple of moments in the game where it could have gone either way. Unfortunately for our boys, it didn’t go our way. I’m really pleased with how they’ve come together within the group. There’s a real brotherhood within the group.”
Cameron Murray scored the match-winning try, but it wasn’t without controversy.
The Australians took a tap 10 metres out from the New Zealand line while Smith was being assessed by a trainer. Murray ran through the defence of Smith and Nelson Asofa-Solomona to give Australia the lead.
“My physio came up to me and asked me how my head was,” Smith said.
“I turned around and told him it was a bit sore but all right. Then I turned around a bit late. That is no one’s fault but mine – I need to be ready. It is a tough pill to swallow – three years to get over it. I am proud of the effort because we have probably put this jersey in a better place than it has been.”
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