Henry suspected match fixing after RWC 07 exit
29 Jul 2012
Graham Henry believes the All Blacks were victims of match fixing during the 20-18 quarter-final loss to France in the 2007 World Cup.
In his biography, ‘Graham Henry Final Word’, Henry revealed that he contemplated match-fixing as the only logical explanation for the All Blacks’ upset 20-18 loss to Les Bleus.
Henry analysed the game on video for his report to the NZRU and found Barnes had awarded only two penalties to New Zealand during the game. His analysis was that France deserved to be penalised up to 40 times.
His gut feeling, according to his biography, was that the video ‘would confirm that referee Wayne Barnes and his touch judges, Jonathan Kaplan from South Africa and Tony Spreadbury from England, hadn’t exactly covered themselves in glory at the Millennium Stadium, that they had missed an obvious forward pass when France scored its match-winning try – a pass so forward everyone in the stadium had witnessed it except the referee – and that Barnes had been pretty lenient on the French at the breakdowns, probably costing the All Blacks the game’.
Henry’s video had three different angles and featured statistical breakdowns of lineouts, scrums, penalties, tackle counts, territory and possession. On those statistics, the All Blacks dominated. They had an overwhelming 73% territorial advantage, winning 166 rucks to France’s 42 and making only 73 tackles compared with France’s 331.
A mind-boggled Henry was so stunned by his findings, he told the NZRU it should pressure the IRB to institute an inquiry. He also said it was ‘incomprehensible’ that the IRB did not have strategies in place to investigate bizarre matches.
The NZRU chose not to push for an investigation.
188 Comments
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30 Jul 2012, 11:51 am
@Skeppie-136: You’d possibly need to bribe more than the ref…perhaps a captain who turns down shots at goal in a kickable position during knock-out rugby. Perhaps a coach who substitutes his captain after 50 minutes.
30 Jul 2012, 11:55 am
@>^..^< katman-146: I’m pretty sure I saw an article where Henry said the match fixing was what went through his mind first but he since decided it probably wasn’t the case. I’ll have a hunt for the link.
I half wish he hadn’t brought it up but let’s there’s less racism, political interference, or administrative bumbling in NZ so Henry’s bio would be a little dull without some controversy. I hope this doesn’t get dragged out like Suzie for 20 years
30 Jul 2012, 11:58 am
In perspective, Walsh gets the final this week and I am glad. Not because he is a great referee who picks up mistakes, forward passes, knock-ons and such, it’s because he misses all of them, equally.
In 2007 he managed to miss the skullduggery which lead to Habana’s try which ripped out my heart and many will say he also managed to see a try at the other end some minutes before which was not a try.
He is just human. So, I’d rather go with his rubbish than an efficacious, whistle-happy Barnes, Joubert and the like. All of whom seem to bow to local pressure.
I just hope he blows equally poor or good both ways on Saturday, I don’t think he’s a cheat.
I cannot say the same for Bryce, as kiwis can’t say the same for Barnes.
30 Jul 2012, 11:59 am
@gonzo-151: Yeah exactly it’s not really feasible. In cricket they can easily manipulate the side bets for no balls or wides etc but it doesn’t seem possible to fix an entire rugby match
30 Jul 2012, 12:30 pm
@>^..^< katman-146:
Not quite clear if this is a direct quote or paraphrased. Or if the last part if tacked on for legal reasons.
“He momentarily let the thought of match-fixing enter his mind before dismissing it.”
Henry solely blames the ref but i think most of NZ accept we were unlucky with injuries, rotation/resting were overdone, and we choked to some degree
http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/referee-barnes-thorn-in-graham-henry-s-side-4992772
30 Jul 2012, 12:47 pm
The more I think about this the more I think we should insititute a board of enquiry.
Lets start with “Get the japies” and Crooked Paddy and work our way down to Brycie and last years World Cup.
30 Jul 2012, 12:48 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-156: And we might as well chuck in Bakkies and his silly ban against the Lions.
30 Jul 2012, 13:03 pm
And dont’t forget the rampant drug abuse in South African schools…
30 Jul 2012, 13:09 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-158: Don’t genaralise mate.The problem is mostly confined to Afrikaner-based schools in the Free State and Gauteng areas with Pretoria and Bloem leading the way in this regard.
30 Jul 2012, 13:15 pm
@BrumbiesBoy-158: Fark me, to sit through the last couple of seasons of Brumbies rugby, drugs might have been the only option…………
30 Jul 2012, 13:31 pm
What’s all the fuss about. There were dozens of accusations of match fixing on this very forum after the 2011 RWC (some even repeated in this thread), so why is it such an issue that Henry mentions that the same thought crossed his mind in 2007 after a game that is statistically unique in modern rugby history?
Was funny listening to the radio earlier today when they were interviewing one of the selectors from the referees selection panel for the 2007 RWC. After saying how wrong Henry is with his comments, and praising Barnes as a fine referee and all around good guy, he finally had to admit that their own post match ‘audit’ showed that there definitely was a forward pass for the French try and that there were multiple off sides by the French that should have been penalised. Sort of leaves the question as to why Barnes didn’t get the same treatment as Lawrence (who I agree should not be reffing internationals)?
30 Jul 2012, 13:53 pm
@stormerforlife1-159: Yeah, that we know of. Would not be at all surprised if it’s not all over other areas as well.
@KWAGGA ROBERTSE-160: Yeah, yeah, yeah if it wasn’t my birthday today I’d take exception to your comments, mate!
30 Jul 2012, 13:54 pm
@stormerforlife1-159:
He’s talking slab out the Tik abuse at your Alma Mater.
30 Jul 2012, 15:37 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-156:
Not that it will ever happen – because the very people who would control such a thing are the guilty parites themselves – but I agree with your sentiment 110% – and let’s make a clean sweep of it starting with Clive Norling’s 1981 handover of a win to the All Blacks in 1981 in the 8th minute of injury time with a 10-yds x 3 penalty that put them in front of the posts for a “winning” kick – if they did it then they could do it now … anbd they did and everybody knows it including Richie and the other protected players wearing black.
30 Jul 2012, 16:34 pm
JB should we go back to 76′ with old Gerty and the 70 tour?4
30 Jul 2012, 16:50 pm
Shame ol’ Bullfrog Henry. I think you will find that 4 years later the Ref was equally “lenient” on the ABs at the breakdowns that allowed them to win the RWC 11 (by 1 point).
While I do agree the missed forward pass in 07 was shocking, Henry cannot complain about refs! His Ab team won a few games they shouldnt have due to Refs missing infringements and the apparent blindness that refs have for McCaw.
Now Henry knows how the rest of the rugby world feels most of the time! Should we go back to 3Ns 2010 where the Boks and Wallabies were averaging 6 & 7 penalties per yellow card, and the ABs something like (I dont want to exaggerate) over 20????
McCaw getting a “final warning” in the “red zone” 3 times?!
Good to know at least one Kiwi knows the feeling of wondering if a match is fixed.
30 Jul 2012, 16:59 pm
@bokfan1-166: How many times should someone be penalised for headbutting before they are yellow carded?
30 Jul 2012, 17:01 pm
@J.B. Cowper-164:
should we include the 76′ tour and Gertygate in your clean sweep ” ja listen boys you can go back to your home I have to live here”
30 Jul 2012, 17:04 pm
@bokfan1-166:
no we all know the feeling all tours to the republic pre 92 were fixed, no brown skin and cheating refs just ask old Gerty.
30 Jul 2012, 17:12 pm
Let’s get Paddy under oath sharpish.
And Papa Lawrence.
Could be looking at some time here.
30 Jul 2012, 17:15 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-170:
dont forget old Gerty
30 Jul 2012, 17:16 pm
Nothing worse than a bent ex copper.
30 Jul 2012, 17:19 pm
Its only fair that Gerty would start the proceedings.
30 Jul 2012, 17:31 pm
They always do the hardest time.
The ex coppers.
Them and the kiddy fiddlers.
30 Jul 2012, 17:46 pm
Something that I do remember from that NZ / France game was that Barnes had the balls to referee Richie McCheat et al appropriately in that game.
It destroyed the All Black game plan because they knew no other way. They should have adjusted and made an attempt to play within the laws. They were too good individually and collectively than the bunch of confused looking shell-shocked All Greys, that day.
I do agree that
*Barnes and his assistants missed the forward pass (when has a game involving Kiwis never involved a few?)
*The penalty count was unfairly and unjustifiably stacked against the All Greys that day (now they know how it feels)
With all of that being said, the Kiwis did not dominate. They were just confused and plained old fashioned choked.
30 Jul 2012, 17:48 pm
@NZINCHINA-168:
Yep – include Gerty if you like – SA refs don’t have a spotless record (arguably) … but it pales in comparison mate to NZ favouritism, particularly in the McCaw era – unbelievable double standards managed by Paddy, Graeme and company.
And Henry complaining about it is like Joe Stalin getting on his soap box and shouting the odds about human rights – just ridiculous.
New Zealand rugby is so magnificent and so is its history – but this is a blemish.
30 Jul 2012, 21:03 pm
I think we should take heed from what all the Sth Africans say about match-fixing and cheating referees.
They are, after all, the experts.
Every Sth African I know still praises Hansie Cronje, whilst calling the greatest rugby player of the modern era ‘a cheat’.
30 Jul 2012, 22:24 pm
@The Donkeys Egg-177:
South Africans respect the following:
Dan Carter
Mils Muliaina
Kieran Read
The Franks brothers
Wyatt Crocket
Tana Umaga
Jonah Lomu
Jeff Wilson
Christian Cullen
Frank Bunce
Ian Jones
and many other great All Blacks.
Ritchie McCaw, like his ancestor Sean Fitzpatrick, brought nothing but shame to the pride of the black jersey.
It’s good and well to love yourself, but if everyone else in the world thinks you’re a worthless cheat, then perhaps you’re not “the greatest player of a generation”.
31 Jul 2012, 01:54 am
@The Donkeys Egg-177: You definetly do not know a lot of South Africans! Your cohort is extremely small!
@YoMama-178: Good post. How did he get IRB player of the year in 2009. Was totally overshadowed by a very young Brussow. I do not say Brussow should have gotten it , but certainly not McCaw
31 Jul 2012, 03:08 am
@Brads-82: the funny thing is the French WERE the most disciplined team of the last decade, it all changed under Laporte where France became a disciplined rugby nation and had fewer red and yellow cards than any other team.
If Henry had bothered to check that he would have found that out, but no, it’s easier to go with his bias and the idea he had been cheated. Well he’s only cheating himself now, he’s gone in a lot of people’s estimations.
31 Jul 2012, 04:41 am
@YoMama-178:
Why bother making the distinction between who “Sth Africans respect” and “everyone else in the World”, when we all know theyre one and the same.
Go select your team of gougers and then try and tell us the one about the 2 most successful players EVER vs Sth Africa having “brought nothing but shame” on the AB jersey.
31 Jul 2012, 05:34 am
Quite interesting to note that Kiwi coaches will hold the World Cup, Tri Nations, Six Nations,Super Rugby, Currie Cup, ITM Cup, Heineken Cup.
Nz produces the best coaches and this is one of the main reasons that gives Kiwis that edge.
31 Jul 2012, 05:40 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther-156:
I think you skipped something.
How about starting at poisoning and gold watches.
@YoMama-178:
So you dont respect two players which of one is probably the most successful captain ever, but you will wear armbands for head butting and eye gouging. How about your old coach, he like eye gouging, we all know its not ballet and they dont wear tutus. You think McCaw has bought shame to the AB jersey lol. Jealous much. You guys would love to have him in your team.
Now we will tell you who has bought shame to the AB jersey cos guess what….its our jersey, not yours. Look at your own team before judging the rest
31 Jul 2012, 05:46 am
ah big tittys. funny that the French conceded 10+ penalties per game during the 2007 WC yet inexplicably only conceded 2 vs NZ in that 1/4, and then in the semi against your side were back out to 10plus?
that 1/4 is only matched by SAs semi final cheating in 95.
we’re world champions, all you sour fckers can complain all you like, its sweet irony, and Im loving it.
31 Jul 2012, 05:50 am
@Big Hit-180:
You crawl out your hole and expect us to listen to that??
You seem to be protecting Barnes here. Ask how useless he was when the Boks lost in Ozzie a few years after the RWC 2007.
The guys here called him pathetic.
Barnes reffed badly, although i think he is alot better,still loves being center of attention.
But strange you have made your way onto Keo when its a kiwi that is in the spotlight….the bad spotlight, then in wanders BH.
31 Jul 2012, 05:52 am
@SA rugby is k@k-184:
2007 RWC was rigged.
Are we allowed to say that or is it too close to the copyrighted version of the South African song…The RWC 2011 was rigged?
31 Jul 2012, 05:58 am
Hurri
no we can’t suggest it, only those who lived off that 1/4 for four years are able to do that
funny now that they feel aggreived it’s somehow different? lol sweet justice I say, couldn’t happen to a nicer mob really.
why didn’t they go for the drop kick? why couldn’t they catch the ball with the tryline open?
I think they choked, like their cricket team normally does.
lmfao though, the level of paranoia these poor, conspired against Saffas have make Roswell look normal.
31 Jul 2012, 07:29 am
@SA rugby is k@k-187: LOL. You are enjoying this,aren’t you.
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