By Zac Zavos -
July 3rd 2007 @ 5:37pm
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John Williamson talks to The Roar
Last week we wrote an article praising the reinstatement of John Williamson singing ‘Waltzing Matilda’ before each home test.
The singing of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ coincided with the first win against the All Blacks in 4 years. The Roar spoke to John about the impact the song has on the Wallabies, why he stopped singing it, and Australia’s chances at the Rugby World Cup.
“The thing is to get out and sing the bloody song…”
Listen here [~5 mins]:
[audio:john-williamson2.mp3]

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Spaldo said | July 13th 2007 @ 12:35pm | Report comment
From the latest SMH column:
“Dear John …
Memo John O’Neill. Will you stop the pathetic on-field singing of Waltzing Matilda before home Test matches. It is so tedious. A major time-waster and basically ruins the Test build-up.”
Further evidence that Growden is a douche.
But then we all knew this – the unanswered question remains why this guy is a “Chief Rugby Correspondent”.
Keep singing, True Blue, and don’t ever say you’re going, anywhere, any time soon.
Phil said | October 10th 2007 @ 12:39pm | Report comment
I agree, quit with the PA assisted singing of Walzing Matilda. If you cannot match the Haka, or whatever you encounter, don’t cheat and use the microphone. Leave it up to the crowd to initiate it, but don’t hold up play so you can conteract any advantage perceived by your opposition’s challenge. You don’t see Twickenham blasting out “Sweet Chariot ” over the PA, do you?
Cheap and nasty.
Peter L said | October 10th 2007 @ 12:55pm | Report comment
I agree – from a crowd perspective if it’s orchestrated rather than spontaneous it loses plenty in the translation (and momentum). You don’t hear the Aussie crowd roar into Waltzing Matilda as their team sweeps into the lead in the dying minutes, do you? I reckon if you did people would fall down laughing!