Star Kiwis half Shaun Johnson has weighed in on the furore over the botched New Zealand anthem in Denver on Sunday (NZ time).
Johnson, who was withheld from selection by the Warriors due to injury concerns, said the bungled performance of 'God defend New Zealand' by American Crystal Collins robbed seven Kiwis debutants of their "special moment".
"If I'm being honest, it was really disappointing," he told media on Monday.
"There were boys there who played their first test that are going to remember that game for a long time and that got tossed up.
"It's a pretty special moment when an anthem gets played and you're representing your country, it's always something that hits home.
"So I thought she was just off, but hey, things happen."
New Zealand’s mediocre performance in the 36-18 loss to England at Mile High Stadium has been completely overshadowed by the widespread outrage at Collins' bumbling efforts on the microphone.
Another Kiwis regular held back by the Warriors - fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - expressed similar sentiments to his teammate.
"I’m just disappointed that the boys couldn't sing along to it and be proud," said Tuivasa-Sheck. "But you could see the emotion that was still there."
Utility Gerard Beale suggested the public reaction may have been a touch overblown.
"It shouldn't really faze us,” Beale noted. “We know we're a proud country, but I guess it could have been better.
"It's one of those things where it probably wasn't really rehearsed."
New Zealand Rugby League boss Greg Peters told Newshub that he would seek an explanation on the "disgraceful" performance.
"The Kiwi national anthem is something we're proud of and we will be taking steps to speak to the promoters about that in the debrief," Peters said.
"In world sport today, you have to get these things right - it is about paying respect to both teams."
Newshub.
