Henry plays down racism remarks

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has tried to play down the racism allegations made by All Blacks centre Aaron Mauger about the Twickenham crowd, claiming they have been "blown out of all proportion".

Henry's side face England tomorrow in south-west London but the coach was keen for Mauger's comments not to overshadow the autumn international.

"It has been making mountains out of molehills," he said. "You just have to keep it in context.

"The players are really looking forward to the game and the environment at Twickenham."

All Blacks hooker Anton Oliver, who is not included in the 22 for tomorrow, had accused the England crowd of being "arrogant" and this week Mauger said there were "a few racist remarks made to a few of our boys" by England fans during last November's Twickenham match, won 23-19 by New Zealand.

Henry said: "The players have expressed an opinion about something that can happen in any stadium in the world.

"Anton Oliver made a comment on a website which got into the papers over here and Aaron just backed him up.

"I think it's been blown out of all proportion and we should move on to rugby questions."

England head coach Andy Robinson and the RFU's director of elite rugby Rob Andrew both steadfastly refused to be drawn into the controversy at their final pre-match press briefing at Twickenham today.

But England lock forward Ben Kay insisted: "It just doesn't affect the players at all. They can say what they want."