New Zealand / Sport

The oddest world cup moments (so far)

10:53 am on 16 October 2015

OPINION: A sideways glance at some odd moments (so far) at the Rugby World Cup.

Over the last few weeks we've seen the best the rugby world has to offer. Stunning tries, outrageous skills and a few upsets to keep things interesting.

But while there's been plenty to make you gasp, applaud and scream with excitement, here's another collection of moments that deserve recognition of their own.

Guys, I think I'm at the wrong party

Scottish halfback Greg Laidlaw (No.9) has had a fantastic tournament, so good in fact the Springboks invited him to celebrate with them after JP Pietersen scored.

Photo: Rugby World Cup

Preposterous pre-kick routines

Before the World Cup an English firm attempted to infuriate New Zealand fans with the 'Hakarena', but that was quickly overshadowed by the magnificent 'Biggarena' from Welsh first five Dan Biggar. As for England's Owen Farrell, let's hope he confines this creepy routine to the rugby field.

Photo: Rugby World Cup

Photo: Rugby World Cup

No cuddles in the huddle

Canadian lock Jamie Cudmore tried a desperate act of espionage during the team's match against France. Unfortunately for him, the French saw through his admittedly poor disguise.

Photo: Rugby World Cup

Worst seat in the house

Japan 34 South Africa 32. This Springbok fan's face says it all. It also says, 'I regret spending the first half an hour shooting my mouth off to every Japanese fan around me.'

Photo: Rugby World Cup

One shot for glory

Namibian Johnny Redelinghuys demonstrated exactly why he's a prop by showing all the grace of a battleship turning into port when he attempted this conversion. Fair enough for having a crack though, it was his 50th and last Test before retirement.

Photo: Rugby World Cup

Trying hard to be humble

There's been some dodgy Man Of The Match awards in the Rugby World Cup, but no one was going to argue with this guy picking one up even though his team lost by 30. Georgian captain Mamuka Gorgodze's shoulders deserved a well-earned rest after his side's exit from the World Cup, because he basically carried his team through it.

Photo: Rugby World Cup

Wrong sport, bro

Scottish fullback Stuart Hogg must have momentarily forgotten that international rugby games are televised these days. How he thought he could get away with this piece of play-acting defies belief.

Photo: Rugby World Cup

(Not so) Impartial journalism

No one was happier at the end of Wales' shock win over England than this group of Welsh journalists. I'm sure their call of the game was highly fair and balanced.

Photo: Rugby World Cup

A tale of two coaches

Well, three if you count Andy Farrell. Wallabies coach Michael Cheika looks like he's ready to crack open a beer or 12, while Englishmen Stuart Lancaster's probably thinking about updating his CV for the job hunt he'll be on very soon.

Photo: Rugby World Cup

Ask for a refund, Dan

Couldn't leave the All Blacks off this list. Dan Carter is a great player and by all accounts a smart guy, but he probably should've had a better look at this monstrosity of a haircut before he walked out of the shop.

Possibly not Dan Carter's best haircut ever. Photo: Getty Images

Jamie 'The Benchwarmer' Wall grew up in Wellington and enjoyed a stunningly mediocre rugby career in which the sole highlight was a seat on the bench for his club's premier side. He's enjoyed far more success spouting his viewpoints on the game to anyone who'll care to listen.

The Benchwarmer's Comment will run throughout the World Cup on radionz.co.nz