From the Touchline

A look at the lighter side of Rugby World Cup 2011.

Numbers

20 - Years since Samoa had scored a drop goal before Tusi Pisi landed one against Fiji on Sunday. Stephen Bachop was the last to score one, against Scotland in the 1991 RWC quarter-final at Murrayfield.

He said it

"Go to hell with your question. The goal was and still is to qualify."
- France coach Marc Lièvremont gets touchy after being asked whether his side can still win the RWC.

Hanmer horror

A dozen Christchurch lasses on a hen night could not believe their luck when they spotted a trio of Wallabies watching the All Blacks game in a Hanmer Springs pub on Saturday night.

Sporting fishnet stockings and flashing red horns, they made a bee-line for Australia captain James Horwill and his forward partners Stephen Moore and Rob Simmons.

But they were soon sent scurrying away.

"Luckily we were out with our own girls," explained Horwill, whose table included a coterie of delectable WAGs. "Our girls gave them the evil eye and the hen party soon got the message.”

Maybe. Or perhaps it was the menacing figure of Australia assistant coach Jim Williams prowling by the door.

Tatafu logs off

There was one lovelorn member of the Aussie squad in Hanmer Springs, though.

"For me personally I need to get to know (how it feels) because that's obviously what makes them better gentlemen," said hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau. "But I am looking for one for myself. Hopefully Hanmer can provide."

Not that it seems he's been trying too hard. Asked what he did on Saturday night, Polota-Nau said: "I put my feet up on the coffee table, chucked some logs into the fire and just 'kumbaya-ed' all night long."

Dogged Smit

South Africa's inspirational leader John Smit can never be accused of being lazy. The 33-year-old has played in all 15 of the Springboks' RWC matches since 2003.

But coach Peter de Villiers said he would hand the hooker a well-earned rest when then defending champions clash with Samoa in Auckland on Friday.

"John needs a rest. He's like Duracell (batteries) at the moment, he just keeps on going. Not that he squeals, but I have to manage him, too," de Villiers said on Saturday.

Gambling on future

USA prop Eric Fry says the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip are acting as a magnet of sorts for aspiring Eagles players.

Fry plays with the colourfully named Las Vegas Blackjacks. The team has produced national players in the past and the native Californian says there are plenty more to come.

"The funny thing about Vegas is that you get people coming and going all the time, so we never know who'll turn up and want to play with the Blackjacks," he said.

Code of loyalty

After the All Blacks' 37-17 win at Eden Park on Saturday night, the team sat down to watch the New Zealand Warriors beat Melbourne Storm 20-12 and qualify for next Sunday's (Australian) National Rugby League final in Sydney.

All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen said: "Everyone was in the changing shed sucking on their recovery drinks watching and screaming out for the Warriors.

"When they scored their last try there was a lot of excitement in the room and guys pumping the air. We wish them well and hope they manage to pull off their dream and round off the season with a big win."

Home town boy

The spa town of Hanmer Springs is doing its utmost to disprove Australians are getting a raw deal from the New Zealand public.

In preparation for the start of the Wallabies’ four-day training camp in the mountain resort north of Christchurch, Australian regalia far outnumbered that of the All Blacks.

The thermal springs had their own sign welcoming the Wallabies and green and gold bedecked shops along the high street, and a large crowd of locals gave the team a rousing reception when they arrived at their hotel.

However, in the spirit of trans-Tasman rivalry, the Hanmer hosts did not miss the opportunity to remind their guests that Canterbury hero Robbie Deans is in control of their arch-rivals.

Two large banners at the entrance to the team hotel read: “Region of Robbie’s heritage.”

Mrs Castro lays down the law

Martin Castrogiovanni will definitely not be adding the Maori design that adorns the meaty right thigh of the artist at the makeshift tattoo studio in the team hotel.

"My mother said I'm not to, otherwise I can never go  home," he said, "and how can I refuse? After all she is my mother."

One thing he did pick up from Mrs Castro is an ability to cook. Castro has regularly been invited to work his magic at the barbecue on team days off, even if he is having trouble with the New Zealand barbecues.

"It is different here because they are all gas barbecues, but even if you don't have coals the secret is leave the meat to cook for a long time."

Such troubles did not stop the Argentina front rower from tucking in, with teammate Gonzalo Canale estimating that he wolfed down 15 steaks during one team barbecue.

Rock star reception

Team manager Aminiasi Kefu said the team had felt like rock stars when thousands of Tongan fans invaded Auckland Airport on their arrival, but it was a special few who were targeted at a farewell lunch in Kerikeri yesterday.

While captain Finau Maka was pretty popular, it was fly half Kurt Morath who got the girls. Tonga’s No.10 was mobbed on his way to the team bus as every girl in the vicinity rushed to have their picture taken with him.

Double ton

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw might have had all of New Zealand celebrating his 100th Test on Saturday night, but Olive Paterson also had a pretty impressive number toasting her century in Tauranga yesterday.

Olive turned 100 on 20 September, but had her party with family - all seven children, 51 grand children, 27 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren - on Saturday, the same day McCaw notched his milestone.

"Reaching one hundred is very special and it's been a great day sharing it with my family,” she said. “Congratulations to Richie McCaw on passing an equally significant milestone.”