Like a fizz bottle that has been shaken, it was inevitable that Sir Graham Henry was going to blow his top sooner or later.
As an assistant coach of the Blues, he has done a great job of staying out of the limelight and being inconspicuous in the background. Until now, it was easy to forget that he was a part of the coaching team because he never gave half-time interviews, he placed himself out of camera shot in the coaching box, and let the head coach deal with all media interviews during trainings.
In the absence of his fellow ''Sir'', however, he had to step up, and like a true leader with strong convictions, the scene was set for a bit of honest and frank expression. With his typical Henry demeanour and use of well-selected colourful language we were left in no doubt he was not happy with some of the officiating decisions in their match against the Crusaders.
Sometimes ''bad'' language smarts the ears and reeks of a lack of imagination. But when Sir Graham Henry uses ''b'' words they sound articulate and powerful.
Twenty-year-old economics and international business student Kiwa Huata also used the term to sum up her thoughts on the controversial trans-Pacific partnership agreement (TPP) and its impact on sovereignty and the law, Maori culture, genetic modification, the potential fallout for Pharmac, and copyright. She was a rare dissenting voice in a room of almost 300 people who were pro free trade and United States-New Zealand relations, and she wanted to address the ''elephant in the room'' that everyone chose to ignore.
Good on her for rocking the boat, and good on Henry for doing the same in the world of rugby. For a moment there I thought Henry, someone who has been knighted and has won a World Cup, would get away with it, but, alas, he will most likely find himself under review by Sanzar for his candid outburst.
Officiating sport has never been faultless and it is not an exact science, even with the introduction of technology like the TMO. Henry and any coach or player in my opinion should have the right to vent. Nothing Henry mentioned was unreasonable or disrespectful. I am sure referees are used to being called ''one-eyed'' or ''blind'' and they have their decisions questioned all the time by players on the field, by supporters within ear shot, and one would hope by their peers in their performance review post-match.
What is wrong with a bit of debate about the way officiating is going in rugby and how would any of us improve, be kept accountable, and develop without open and honest feedback?
Henry is experienced enough to know that by using the media to express his opinions he is putting these issues up for more public debate. His concerns regarding the policing of the off-side law at ruck and maul time is something that needs to be addressed at a higher level, but his rant about prop Wyatt Crockett getting away with murder and Keith Brown being blind can be put down to an elderly cantankerous male doing what old men do best - being grumpy.
Not all of us have the power to question authority, to challenge the status quo, or to bring about change. Huata and Henry are examples of those who are powerful in a marginal but outspoken way. We should embrace the young and idealistic and the old and grumpy when it comes to rocking the boat.
If anything, Henry has provided some fodder for the media, some headaches for officials, some conversations for rugbyheads at the pub, and some food for thought around the boardroom table.
