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NRL attracts fans for its exiting, eventful and lively approach, so why can’t rugby union do the same? It can only benefit the Australian game.
The NRL hosts the State of Origin and it is considered to be one of the most exciting events in Australian sports, with a sell out stadium and booming television viewings.
Australian rugby may not be able to accommodate an interstate origin-esque series, but we could look into exiting events which people want to be a part of. Think something that goes beyond the Tri-Nations or Bledisloe, innovation will be the key to the ARU’s success.
It is no wonder Australian rugby is struggling with its juniors, they have been drawn to other codes that they want to be involved in.
The ARU are constantly influenced by the All Blacks management and cannot provide decisions which are original, so it’s also no wonder the All Blacks are more successful than us.
The strongest idea that I could recommend to the ARU is to look into teaming the Wallabies up with the All-Blacks to create a combined Anzac squad.
The squad could end up looking a bit like this:
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Stephen Moore
3. Charlie Faumuina
4. James Horwill
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Liam Messam
7. Michael Hooper
8. Kieran Read
9. Aaron Smith
10. Dan Carter
11. Julian Savea
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Ben Smith
15. Israel Folau
16. Keven Mealamu
17. James Slipper
18. Owen Franks
19. Richie McCaw
20. Scott Higginbotham
21. Will Genia
22. Quade Cooper
23. Corey Jane
Coach: Steve Hansen
Assistant: Ewen McKenzie
The props have got to be Kiwi, because Australian props are struggling at the moment. The hooker should be Stephen Moore, he held the Wallabies on his shoulders when they needed him and his line out is great. He’s a good defender and a good ball runner.
James Horwill and Sam Whitelock at locks would settle to be a good combination for the two big men, providing various line out options and solid defence.
In the back row I would have Michael Hooper at open side, he is young, in form and has the ability to still play well even if his team are under performing. At blindside I would have Liam Messam, he provides good leadership and a solid all round game. At number eight it’s a no brainer, IRB player of the year Kieran Read secures the role.
In the back line, Daniel Carter has the playmaking role of being fly half, with his incumbent halves partner being Aaron Smith. In the centres it will consist of an All Black pairing. On the wings Julian Savea and Ben Smith hold stable their positions while the superstar Israel Folau wears the fifteen.
With this Anzac team we could host a World XV or even organise the British and Irish Lions to tour for a three-Test series.
Wouldn’t that be exiting? Would you want to watch that?
These Test series could be played at stadiums such as ANZ and Eden park, it would guarantee sell-out crowds.
Other ideas could be an Australian-born Polynesian squad against the Polynesian countries such as Samoa and Tonga – that would also be an exiting clash to watch!
The event everybody wants to see though, is a Kangaroos versus Wallabies clash. Two matches where the Wallabies play a game of rugby league, and one where the Kangaroos play a game of union. If that isn’t possible then why not organise a Super Rugby side versus an NRL side?
I am convinced that ideas like these would attract youngsters to the game of rugby union and the future of Australian rugby would be deemed secure.
But our biggest concern right now is getting Super Rugby on free-to-air television, once we nail that in then we can turn our attention to wild and radical ideas.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.