By David Beniuk
June 25th 2009 @ 1:57am
Related coverage
Player investigation clouds Wallabies’ Test preparation
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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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
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.
Blair Vincent said | June 25th 2009 @ 1:34pm | Report comment
well said Mike, couldn’t agree more!!!!
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
Campbell said | June 25th 2009 @ 3:47pm | Report comment
Whats that I see sailing over the horizon???
Oh yeah – Lote Tuqiri’s test career!!!!
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..
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.
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.
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
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
fred said | June 25th 2009 @ 6:32pm | Report comment
retired rucker,sorry mate wasnt sure of the grade of breech;dont know much about it ,all im saying if it is a breech of rules what is the punishment for this behavior or why have such a dumb rule;
also if so minor why the secrecy would be my concern
retired rucker said | June 25th 2009 @ 7:17pm | Report comment
Andy S,
I can see your point wrt the brand and sponsorship but these guys should’nt be restricted to their hotels like their on house arrest. In my mind jail doesn’t fix the problem and when the problem occurs it is going to be alot bigger. The solution is education and self responsibility( a value I think should be promoted at all levels of society, as it seems to have disapeared) and predetermined consequences.
Jerry said | June 25th 2009 @ 8:32pm | Report comment
I’ve uncovered the background to the investigation – it’s pretty big stuff, Wallabies, drugs and vandalism. Shame, Robbie Deans – Shame.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/oddstuff/2535665/Stoned-Wallabies-creating-opium-crop-circles
Mike said | June 25th 2009 @ 8:38pm | Report comment
*LOL* good one, Jerry
Tahriffc said | June 25th 2009 @ 8:44pm | Report comment
Retired
The debate is not whether or not the rule is correct – the fact is if its a rule you need to abide by it -particularly in a team environment.
If you make rules but then go and say – hey it doesn’t matter if you break that rule because its a silly rule – you will then create confusion and lose respect
Its either a rule or it isnt!!!!!!!
Mick Gold Coast QLD said | June 26th 2009 @ 12:18am | Report comment
retired rucker says:
“… I’d say the rules are draconian and unworkable.” In the really olden days, when there was only the “Behave yourself” rule, the behaviour of some of the players demonstrated it to be unworkable. Thus they have this rule – it’s a “lowest common denominator” thing.
“Rules like that are made to be broken … they show a complete lack of respect for the players.” The previous rule – “Behave in public with some sense of respect for your privileged position” was indeed broken by some of the players, and they earned the appropriate measure of respect from the administrators for that.
They cannot blame the people who are responsible for protecting and growing the game for being forced to introduce rules because of the actions of some players – who benefit most from the hard work of similar people in the past who protected and grew it so effectively that young blokes get to play a game they love for lots of money.
Simply put – every time Alan Border had a good season our junior registrations next season went through the roof. Conversely, every time a rugby player acts selfishly and earns adverse headlines a cautious parent somewhere makes a decision that deprives the game of another new recruit. I have witnessed that directly from my own daughters and extended family, despite the game being a family preoccupation.
As Robbie Deans said in March “it is up to individual players in elite sporting teams “to know their place in society“ when it comes to managing their public behaviour.”
I rather like the AIS clear policy on misbehaving athletes – “Pack your bags and go.”
It is not the role of elite sportsmen’s organisations to go searching for root causes and setting up creches and kiddie classes for adults. If players of voting age want to merely meet the expectations set for general society they can rejoin general society, free of invasive cameras, sensational media scrutiny and burdensomely high salaries. “As you leave don’t bump into the queue of hopefuls waiting to take your spot” I say.
I believe the current set of ARU rules is entitled “The Dunning Protocol”.
Remember Tuiavii’s busted nose” Sydney ‘03 / SA Nightclub Party Tour suspended fine Cape Town ‘05 / “You want me to what – prop up scrums? You’ve gotta be joking!” Twickenham ‘05 / “I was not on duty when I tore the door off the taxi” Concord West ‘06 / “Even now I don’t know what I did wrong” ‘Brisbane ‘07 / “I’m not going to change my behaviour” … “Why dey always disrespec’ me?”
The Dunning Protocol has chapter headings inspired by … um … isolated incidents. Henjak, Fava, Rogers, Young, Harrison, Lot$a, Wendell, O’Connor, Palavi and so on.
John Ryan said | June 26th 2009 @ 12:27am | Report comment
I think they call it a cover up Mike,but then Rugby Union has been good at that look at the last touring UK team a rape allegation in NZ and an English judge when they got back,remind you of anything.
Better get it over and done with,though it will be fun to see Fitzsimmons turning himself inside out in the SMH trying to hide it
Knives Out said | June 26th 2009 @ 12:32am | Report comment
Obviously you didn’t follow the situation too deeply, John.
Ruputt said | June 26th 2009 @ 1:46pm | Report comment
So what did they actually do?
Mike said | June 26th 2009 @ 4:42pm | Report comment
Helloooo???? The NRL is trumpeting huge increases in club enrolments, match crowds and rating figures (including up 14% in Sydney and 21% in Brisbane), this in what was probably the worst year ever for NRL player scandals.
Its easy if you don’t believe the NRL figures. But if you do believe them, surely they conclusively demolish the theory that player behaviour matters?
westy said | June 26th 2009 @ 9:15pm | Report comment
Mike it does matter. Particularly to sponsors and to people. However people do differentiate between some aspects of misbaviour and what is beyond the pale. There is a difference between attitudes and conduct towards women and some poor bloke not playing that weekend leaving a local nightclub in his home town a little worse for wear and having his picture taken as he fell over. He was not driving and was walking to catch a taxi.
To be fined $20000 and suspended for two games and forced to make a public apology in front of his home crowd left some ordinary punters a little wide eyed.
He harmed no one but himself. He neither insulted or assaulted anyone. He in fact apologised to the young women who helped him to his feet. She took a photo of him. She subsequently got paid $3000 by the Telegraph for the photo plastered over the front page and repeated ad nauseum on TV. Her values are obviously beyond reproach.
The overkill of some player misbehaviour causes if not sympathetic reaction at least some empathy . He who is without such mistakes should cast the first stone.
People do not simply accept the judgement of “our betters” in the media.
And just be grateful most people do still exercise some independent judgement.