“If you have something to say, say it; otherwise keep your mouth shut”

I can’t remember how old I was when this pearl of wisdom was imparted to me, but I am reasonably confident my age was a single digit number.

The benefits of when this advice has been heeded significantly outweighs the times they weren’t.

However those occasions when this crucial bit of knowledge was ignored are seared into my memory.

Much like Sunday’s 5.30pm media call should be burning holes in the frontal lobes of New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson.

Seriously, what was he and/or his media advisors thinking?

Seven days after being manhandled/dominated/outclassed – pick your description, they are all apt for the Mbombela beatdown by the Springboks –  the All Blacks delivered the kind of performance that is befitting of … well … the All Blacks, and at one of the most daunting environments in all of rugby, the famed Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Common sense says let that vibe ride; let the light shine.

Revel at images of Sam Cane holding aloft the Freedom Cup being beamed around the globe.

Marvel at the continuously stellar play; the undeniable relentlessness of Ardie Savea.

Rejoice in the delightfully uplifting story of debutante Fletcher Newell and his family.

Embrace this moment of positivity.

Nope!

Lets announce, roughly five hours after the final whistle, that there will be a media call.

Let’s set the rumour mill about our coach swirling again and watch it churn for another six hours.

Then lets front said media call and says absolutely nothing of substance.

Mark Robinson undermined everyone & everything done in association with the All Blacks victory.

What he said wasn’t even worthy of a press release, let alone a full media opportunity.

Read the room for goodness sake.

It’s not like it wasn’t an easy read too.

It was right there, written on the feature wall in bold type, font size 144.

KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT.