Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully says he's disappointed at comments about the future of the All Blacks in Cup tournaments.
The New Zealand Rugby Union has threatened to boycott the next Rugby World Cup unless the International Rugby Board makes major changes to how the tournaments are run.
IRB chief executive Mike Miller has said that while it would be good for the All Blacks to be at the 2015 tournament, everyone is replaceable.
Describing Mr Miller's comments as unfortunate, Mr McCully says he would rather not have seen them at this stage of the current tournament.
He says he is hoping people will focus on the success of the tournament in New Zealand, without being deflected by the comments.