Mystery surrounds an Australian Rugby Union investigation into player misbehaviour as the Wallabies prepare for Saturday night’s Test against France.
The ARU has confirmed it is conducting “inquiries” into a possible breach of a team’s rule and the players’ code of conduct.
But the governing body is remaining tight-lipped about whether the situation potentially involves the Wallabies, a Super 14 team or a lower level side.
Website reports have suggested four leading players are involved.
“We’re currently conducting inquiries into potential breaches around team protocol and/or the code of conduct,” an ARU spokesman said on Wednesday.
“At this stage those inquiries are continuing.
“We won’t be commenting further or going into detail while we’re doing that.”
France on Wednesday named a formidable side, despite a host of changes, for Saturday night’s ANZ Stadium showdown.
The Wallabies have put in extra work to try to nullify the lethal rolling maul of the French, but also signalled they would try to match the northern hemisphere sides in using the tactic as a weapon of their own.
That has becoming possible again after the experimental law allowing the maul to be pulled down was thrown out.
“Something we didn’t have in that Test in Paris (last November) was the rolling maul and, as you’ve seen against the All Blacks, they’ve used that very effectively, so that’s something that’s going to be different for us now,” Wallabies hooker Stephen Moore said.
“I thought we did pretty well to nullify that against Italy but I think France do it a lot better and it’s going to take a big effort to stop that area of the game.
“It’s probably an area we didn’t work on much over the last couple of seasons for the reason that you could just pull it straight down.
“Now you can’t do that any more we’ve had to dedicate more time to it at training, particularly against these blokes who do it very well.”
Moore said the Wallabies had used a shadow pack to practice.
“It gets very heated at training and I think it’s a good part of our preparation,” he said.
“You know on Thursday if there’s a bit of niggle in the session and guys are getting stuck into it that you’re ready to go.”
“The hard thing at training is trying to balance that time between defending the maul and your own attack in the maul as well so it’s something that (coach) Robbie (Deans has) mentioned that we’d like to bring back in.
“These games are a chance for us to do that.”
Meanwhile, Wallabies medical staff have begun assessing Australia’s Tri-Nations stocks ahead of the naming of a squad for the tournament next week.
Rocky Elsom (leg), Wycliff Palu (hand) and under-20 World Cup star Rob Horne (hamstring) were checked on Wednesday, while Kurtley Beale (hamstring) is another who will be assessed.
Palu is expected to play club rugby this weekend, while doubt persists over when Elsom will be recovered from bone bruising.
“With all those boys, we’re just in constant dialogue with them,” Wallabies assistant Richard Graham said.
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June 25th 2009 @ 7:28am
Maxxy said | June 25th 2009 @ 7:28am | Report comment
One can only assume that the gossip in the Melbourne paper the other day about 4 Wallabies being seen going into the Casino at 1.15am on the Wednesday night before the test v Italy has ruffled a few feathers at the ARU. It will be interesting to see if anything comes of it or whether the media leaves it alone. One thing is for sure – the media never let the team/coach off the hook in previous regimes for any type of mis-conduct so this will be a good litmus test for all
June 25th 2009 @ 10:16am
Mike said | June 25th 2009 @ 10:16am | Report comment
“The ARU has confirmed it is conducting “inquiries” into a possible breach of a team’s rule and the players’ code of conduct. But the governing body is remaining tight-lipped about whether the situation potentially involves the Wallabies, a Super 14 team or a lower level side.”
That is as it should be. Tell the media nothing, conduct the investigation, hand out fines or warnings if any are warranted. Then that this the end of the matter and get back to playing. There is no need to pander to the media’s desperate desire for sensationalism which might sell a few more newspapers but does nothing for the game.
June 25th 2009 @ 1:34pm
Blair Vincent said | June 25th 2009 @ 1:34pm | Report comment
well said Mike, couldn’t agree more!!!!
June 25th 2009 @ 3:35pm
Who Needs Melon said | June 25th 2009 @ 3:35pm | Report comment
C’mon Mike. It’s a wild goose chase:
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/hopping-mad-stoned-wallabies-make-crop-circles-20090625-cxlt.html
June 25th 2009 @ 3:47pm
Campbell said | June 25th 2009 @ 3:47pm | Report comment
Whats that I see sailing over the horizon???
Oh yeah – Lote Tuqiri’s test career!!!!
June 25th 2009 @ 5:09pm
fred said | June 25th 2009 @ 5:09pm | Report comment
yeah cant hide the truth from the team therefore all will be waiting and watching to see if deans is a paper tiger cos he promotes discipline and accountability ;doesnt shy away from these situations..
June 25th 2009 @ 5:36pm
retired rucker said | June 25th 2009 @ 5:36pm | Report comment
Fred,
If going to the Casino on a wed night before a test constitutes a breach, I’d say the rules are draconian and unworkable. Are the blokes not allowed out for a flutter or to meet the fairer sex?
Rules like that are made to be broken, in fact they show a complete lack of respect for the players. If they weaken the wallabies for this it will be a disgrace.
If the selected players where drunk as apposed to having a few to wind down, then there will be some discipline required.
June 25th 2009 @ 5:45pm
AndyS said | June 25th 2009 @ 5:45pm | Report comment
I don’t think it has a damn thing to do with player preparation – if it did, then they should make it mandatory given the game AAC played. It is about the ARU, their expectations of the players and protection of the brand. What they don’t need/want is the RISK that something will occur a couple of days before a match, and frankly I find it difficult to fault them for that given the form of some players. Unfortunately, the world is well stocked with idiots who just want to get their name on the news, and journalists prepared to make it happen. I guess the players just need to wait until bye weeks or off-season to go out on the pull.
June 25th 2009 @ 5:54pm
Maxxy said | June 25th 2009 @ 5:54pm | Report comment
If you were cynical (like Campbell) you might think that the ARU has spotted an opportunity to rid themselves of Lote. The problem they have is that there were some of the stars in tow so they will jot want to throw out the bath water with the baby
I think AndyS is spot on about the brand. Given it appeared in the Melbourne gossip column it proves that the limelight exists 24/7. I suspect that the team under Deans will have set their own standards and if in breach then there will need to be action. If there is no action then you can assume that the behaviour is acceptable – a conundrum
June 25th 2009 @ 6:23pm
Ruckingisfun said | June 25th 2009 @ 6:23pm | Report comment
Conspiracy theory eh maxxy – I think not
JON will jump on this immediately – don’t be suprised to see him call a press conference and deal with this up front – thats his style – nothing behind closed doors – what you see is what you get
He’ll be keen to ahve the ARU seen as not shying away from an issue – irrespective of its impact on the team