Jenkins plays down All Blacks’ haka row

WALES head coach Gareth Jenkins is confident the row over the haka which blighted the start of Saturday’s clash with New Zealand will not harm relations between the two nations.

The All Blacks performed the haka in their changing room after objecting to Welsh Rugby Union plans for it to be staged between the national anthems, rather than just before kick-off as has become traditional.

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis now plans to take the matter to the International Rugby Board but Jenkins played down fears the spat will dissuade the All Blacks from returning to Wales.