The IRB has confirmed the All Blacks have not breached any Rugby World Cup rules in using Crusaders flanker Matt Todd at an opposed training session.

Todd’s appearance at the All Blacks training on Wednesday caused a storm, with claims New Zealand had exploited their hosting rights by illegally using a player outside of their 30-man squad as cover for injured captain Richie McCaw.

Under tournament rules, a player can only be brought into the squad 48 hours after official notification of their intention to withdraw another player.

This is to protect northern hemisphere teams, who require extra time to haul a player from across the other side of the world to New Zealand.

Todd provided direct opposition at All Blacks training to Victor Vito, the favourite to replace McCaw if the champion flanker’s foot injury forces him out of Sunday night’s semifinal against Australia at Eden Park.

RWC’s head of communications Dominic Rumbles said the All Blacks had not breached any regulations.

Todd was also reportedly sighted at the All Blacks’ team hotel on Wednesday, but assistant coach Steve Hansen insisted that he was staying at his girlfriend’s sister’s house while in Auckland.

The first semifinal at 8pm Saturday will see France meet Wales and at 8pm Sunday the All Blacks meet the Wallabies and the live commentary of both matches can be heard on our sister station, Viti FM with Malakai Veisamasama and Ilivasi Tabua.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi