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#1
For those that don't know, there was a exert in Henry's recent book, that stated in his opinion match fixing was behind the All Blacks loss to France in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. With the official/s being the one/'s involved.
So, Graham has been widely and heavily criticized by the NZ media and public for those comments.
Lets look at some facts. It was a poorly officiated game from referee Wayne Barnes. Key decisions if you went one way or the other, more so went against the All Blacks.
Many Bookmakers both legal and Illegal stood to win a fortune on a All Blacks loss. NZ was heavily backed in the futures market and at short odds in the match itself. There have been several proven corruption charges against official or referees in the past 30 years. Rugby referees are not well remunerated for their job.
Rugby union is a sport where the referee has a massive influence on the outcome. Its also a sport where in a typical game there are plenty of 50-50, or close to, calls to be made.
The possibility of a syndicate or Bookmaker offering Barnes a payment to help influence the outcome is in my opinion not unlikely.
I certainly am not in agreeance with the criticism Henry has recieved.
Do I know it took place? no. But I certainly for reasons mentioned, would not rule it out.
dave nz
So, Graham has been widely and heavily criticized by the NZ media and public for those comments.
Lets look at some facts. It was a poorly officiated game from referee Wayne Barnes. Key decisions if you went one way or the other, more so went against the All Blacks.
Many Bookmakers both legal and Illegal stood to win a fortune on a All Blacks loss. NZ was heavily backed in the futures market and at short odds in the match itself. There have been several proven corruption charges against official or referees in the past 30 years. Rugby referees are not well remunerated for their job.
Rugby union is a sport where the referee has a massive influence on the outcome. Its also a sport where in a typical game there are plenty of 50-50, or close to, calls to be made.
The possibility of a syndicate or Bookmaker offering Barnes a payment to help influence the outcome is in my opinion not unlikely.
I certainly am not in agreeance with the criticism Henry has recieved.
Do I know it took place? no. But I certainly for reasons mentioned, would not rule it out.
dave nz
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