NZ and IRB row as Sapolu gets global ban

AUCKLAND (AFP) - The International Rugby Board responded to a possible New Zealand withdrawal from the next World Cup by saying everyone is replaceable on Tuesday as Samoas Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu was banned from rugby. Meanwhile France became the first team to name their side for this weekends quarter-finals where 'Les Bleus face old rivals England at Aucklands Eden Park. IRB chief executive Mike Miller reignited a row that kicked-off last week when New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) counterpart Steve Tew said pulling the top-ranked All Blacks from the next World Cup could not be ruled out. Tew said his organisation lost money every time the quadrennial tournament was staged, adding competing at the current World Cup in New Zealand was costing the NZRU more than NZ$13 million ($10.3 million), casting a shadow over their participation at the 2015 edition in England. Miller in an interview with New Zealands Radio Sport on Tuesday, when asked if the World Cup needed the All Blacks, arguably rugby unions most famous team, replied: Everyone is replaceable. It was a statement that stunned members of the New Zealand team preparing to play their quarter-final match against Argentina in Auckland on Sunday. You cant have a World Cup without the All Blacks, without any of the top nations. Theyve all got to be there just to make it a legit World. Cup, wing Richard Kahui told reporters.

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