All Blacks happy with off-field behaviour

The All Blacks are confident their tight team protocols will see them avoid mirroring the Wallabies' alcohol-fuelled hiccup in Dublin.

The Wallabies' off-field antics haven't prompted All Blacks management to reinforce team rules in Dublin this week.

Six Australian players have been stood down for a Test after staying out late and drinking in the lead-up to last week's win over Ireland. Nine other players have been reprimanded following the incident.

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster says there hasn't been a need to remind his players about the importance of staying within the confines of team protocol.

He says the off-field element of touring is monitored mostly by the All Blacks' senior players, who make it clear what their teammates can and can't do during their free time.

"It's stated once at the start of the year and our expectations are pretty high," Foster said.

"Our leaders do a great job in working with players to make sure they understand the expectations of being an All Black."

Flanker Sam Cane believes the team boundaries are clear and allow for an element of freedom.

"At the moment we've got a pretty good balance between relaxing and having fun, and being able to switch on when rugby comes on."

There has been no public breach of All Blacks protocol by a player for more than a year.

Halfback Aaron Smith was demoted to the reserves bench for a Test against South Africa in Dunedin 14 months ago for breaching a curfew the week before.

There were two alcohol-related reprimands during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Wing Zac Guildford was forced to publicly apologise for an incident in Brisbane leading into the tournament.

Outside backs Cory Jane and Israel Dagg were subsequently disciplined internally for a drinking session in Auckland three days out from New Zealand's quarter-final win over Argentina.


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Source: AAP


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