I have no problem with the suspension. These guys know the rules and implications more than you or I. As an All Black I'm pretty sure you're expected to die on your sword when you get caught out following team orders.
We've seen plenty of people targeting Richie McCaw in the past. Remember Richard Loe?
Rugby League is a much cleaner & simpler sport - it used to be the opposite! While we all like the concept of 'bring back the biff' it is always cool to see your team win the fight. We lost that game last weekend so fair enough.
Rugby has so many rules that it encourages that sort of behaviour. That is why people watch it. After all there is nothing like a controversy to get headlines. Great bang for your buck for sponsors.
At the highest level Rugby has it sorted. As does football (soccer to the rest of us). The Hollywood styles we see in the very highest of levels really cheapens that sport to me but the marketing guys want that.
Cheating is great headlines. Especially when your side gets away with it. Even more so when your side gets caught. Win/win!
That's the truth according to Smudge