The Mataura boys have certainly been entertaining if nothing else – Justin Marshall was known for his stoushes in the Eastern Southland freezing works town before heading north to Christchurch, while Jimmy Cowan appears to have an interesting relationship with bouncers across Australasia.

Which brings us to his current predicament. Cowan’s problems have undoubtedly been exacerbated by the closeness of his most recent transgression, but the fact of the matter is no All Black should be appearing in court on any charges.

One is loathe to throw the “role model” tag onto All Blacks, and it’s not really even about that – more a case of how on earth can employers expect to get the best out of their employers if they’re spending more time in court than at training.

In these politically correct times, much is expected of employers when it comes to supporting troublesome employers, but how much leeway should an employer be given, particularly when that employee is a member of New Zealand’s most famous international sporting side.

Cowan has options – he can stay at home or in the hotel after a game, he can go out and avoid the booze, or he can go out, drink booze but not to excess and not to the point where he is clearly becoming obnoxious.

Jamie Mackintosh made some interesting comments in today’s Otago Daily Times, saying he often looks out for Cowan on a night out and makes sure he’s not drinking too heavily. But what does that tell you about Cowan when he’s being looked after by a team-mate three or four years his junior. At the end of the day, personal responsibility has to be to the forefront or everyone around him is fighting a losing battle.

Judging by his likely omission from this week’s All Blacks side (with the reserve halfback still to be named at time of writing), it seems Cowan’s career in New Zealand is teetering on the edge. He’s shown great loyalty in recent seasons to hang around when he’s missed out on AB sides, but perhaps now we’re discovering the reasons why.