Wellington — While the All Blacks are reaching new heights, recent off-field scandals have left New Zealand Rugby (NZR) struggling to maintain the sport’s image, particularly with women. NZR admits the game needs to change its macho culture after a series of player incidents involving strippers, street violence and casual sex. Pundits have dubbed it "the season from hell", distracting attention from the All Blacks’ bid this weekend to set a record of 18 consecutive Test victories. The problems began in August when a stripper known as Scarlette said she was abused and demeaned at a Waikato Chiefs end-of-season "Mad Monday" party. The Chiefs initially suggested her word could not be trusted because of her occupation, then an internal NZR review dismissed her claims and cleared the players. The NZR soon found itself in the spotlight again over its response to a teenage star’s violent rampage on a Wellington street. The player, Losi Filipo, savagely attacked four people including two wo...
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