Legend: Laurie Mains (left) is inducted into the Otago Rugby Hall of Fame by Otago Rugby Football Union chairman Wayne Graham at a Legends of Carisbrook dinner two months ago
Ex-All Blacks coach, Queenstowner Laurie Mains, is concerned that referees may be deciding who wins some Rugby World Cup games.
“I think the World Cup is going extremely well apart from the refereeing of scrums.
“It’s a lottery – the referees can’t get it right.”
Mains, who coached the ABs to the RWC final in 1995 when “fate” – his word – intervened, says the referee wrongly penalised Australia’s scrum at least three times during its shock loss to Ireland.
“I know scrummaging – I coached forwards all my life.
“The Irish tighthead was boring in and bearing down on the hit and the Australian loosehead had no option but to follow him.”
Mains – who played 115 games for Otago and four Tests for the ABs before a lengthy, if occasionally controversial coaching career – says he turned down an offer to do TV commentary during the RWC play-off games.
“I’d sooner just please myself what I watch and what I do.”
Mains, 65, says he’s only attended the games in Dunedin: “I’m not one of those people that have to be there – I prefer not to be in those sort of crowds.”
Mains through the years
1967-1976: 115 games for Otago
1971-76: Fifteen games for All Blacks including four Tests
1983-1991; 2001: Coached Otago for more than 100 games
1992-95: Coached the All Blacks, culminating in extra-time Rugby World Cup loss to host South Africa. Mains blamed a waitress called “Suzie” for poisoning his players
1997: Married wife, Annemarie
1998: Made Member of New Zealand Order of Merit
2000-01: Coached South African Cats to successive Super 12 semi-finals
2002-03: Coached the Highlanders. Resigned after fall-out with some players
2006: Shifted to Queenstown
2010: Elected deputy chairman of Otago Rugby Football Union board
2011: Inducted into Otago Rugby Hall of Fame
Mountain Scene: “What’s your opinion on the new Dunedin stadium?”
Mains: “It is the best viewing stadium that I’ve ever been in and I’ve been to most in the world and the roof gives it an amazing atmosphere.”
MS: “How has rugby changed from your playing/coaching days?”
Mains: “I don’t actually believe the game’s improved since those days but it’s certainly more physical and high-tempo but not a purist’s game like it was till the late ’90s.”
MS: “What’s your opinion of All Black Sonny Bill Williams?”
Mains: “He’s a wonderful athlete that’s still got a lot to learn about how to fully employ himself in a rugby match before he would be a number one choice for me.”
MS: “Best moment of this RWC?”
Mains: “About 10 minutes into the French-New Zealand game, where NZ scored three tries in 10 minutes was an indication as to how well this team could play for the rest of the tournament.”
MS: “Three best teams?”
Mains: “South Africa, NZ and I’d possibly go for Wales – those three teams are playing the best-balanced rugby and have got the power where they need it.”
MS: “Does your South African wife Annemarie support the Springboks?”
Mains: “Of course she does. I’d be extremely disappointed if she didn’t.”
MS: “Can NZ ever host another RWC?”
Mains: “The public of NZ have really got behind this event and I believe that we should not disregard that opportunity. I think in 20 years it might be here again.”
MS: “Will Dan Carter’s absence affect the All Blacks’ prospects?”
Mains: “It’s obviously going to be a little bit more difficult but the strength is in the team, not just an individual.”
MS: “What do you like about Queenstown?”
Mains: “We like the climate, particularly over at Kelvin Heights, and it’s a nice place to live. There are so many activities you can do, including boating on the lake and the opportunity to play three or four really world-class golf courses.”
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