All Blacks get armed escorts

‘Bug gate’ in Sydney heightened intrigue levels but security and safety measures have long been paramount on any All Blacks tour.

The All Blacks continue to wait for feedback from New South Wales Police on their findings from the investigation into a listening device that was uncovered in a team hotel room before the opening Bledisloe Cup test in August.

Manager Darren Shand, who led an advance party of five to Buenos Aires, said it was business as usual in regards to security. Overt risks were more of a concern than covert ones.

‘‘We’re just waiting to see where this all goes to before we make any decisions on whether we make it policy,’’ Shand said about whether the team hotel would be swept for bugs.

‘‘We didn’t have a policy around that in the past so we’re building our understanding in that area at the moment and waiting for this investigation. We’ll then sit down and decide what’s the best way forward.

‘‘We’ll just have our normal training security monitoring the entry and exit of people and have access to the fans at appropriate times. The general safety element is more important there.’’

Before any tour, the All Blacks undertake major reconnaissance to ensure their every move away from home is mapped out and safe. This trip is no different.

As with previous ventures to the Argentine capital, eight fully armed special forces guards will escort them in a motorcade to and from trainings - batting away local drivers if they get too close to the team bus. New Zealand Embassy contacts are close at hand; even the player’s mid-week day off is scripted to avoid dangers.

‘‘That’s certainly an area we have to know well and be in a position to provide the players with information on arrival in terms of their safety. We’ll have the same level of police support which is pretty high,’’ Shand said.