New Zealand rugby writer Gregor Paul says the All Blacks have become “rugby’s equivalent of an organised crime syndicate”.

Writing in the New Zealand Herald after coach Scott Robertson’s side lost 29-23 to Argentina in Buenos Aires, Paul said the three yellow cards they conceded at Estadio José Amalfitani had a decisive impact in what was Argentina’s first-ever home win against the All Blacks in 16 attempts.

“New Zealand, by losing to Argentina in Buenos Aires, have created significant doubt as to whether they are deserving occupants of the world No 1 ranking,” Paul wrote. “But they have established unequivocally that they are the game’s least disciplined team.”

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Paul accused Robertson’s side of “self-sabotage” after Will Jordan, Tupou Vaa’i and Sevu Reece were all sent to the sin-bin for “avoidable acts”.

“However good Argentina were, and however much they deserved their first home victory against New Zealand, there is no getting away from the fact that the All Blacks picking up three yellow cards in a 35-minute spell had an enormous bearing on the outcome,” he added.

“Equally, there is no doubt that having picked up two yellow cards last week, and seven in last year’s Rugby Championship, the All Blacks have a simultaneous claim to be considered both the dumbest and dirtiest team in world rugby.

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“The All Blacks have become rugby’s equivalent of an organised crime syndicate – certain to try their hand at any illegal racket in their quest to dominate their competition, and seemingly convinced that their reputation is such that they can intimidate referees into letting them get away with slapping down a few passes, pushing the offside line and flopping over a few rucks.

“Finding a way to play 80 minutes with 15 men is the first and most pressing problem Robertson needs to fix.”

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Paul said the ill-discipline is part of a wider culture in New Zealand rugby.

“The All Blacks are merely displaying learned behaviour… from junior club, to 1st XV, through to Super Rugby, they are coached to push the boundaries and get away with what they can.”

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