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While there were many disappointing things that Australia did and didn’t do in this series against England, there is something that has been bugging me for many years.
On the night of the first Test against England, I noticed that in the middle of the field emblazoned in huge letters was the word ‘England’.
I was stunned. I then noticed the crown on top of it. It took me a while to see that this was the logo for the Australia versus England Test series that is being played in Australia. Underneath this enormous ‘England’ were the ARU logo and the English flag.
Who thought that this was a good image to use? It gives so much motivation and ownership away. Do you think that when we play New Zealand that there will be anything slightly green and gold anywhere on the pitch? No, of course not.
In fact, they will probably make sure the anthem will be butchered, again. Could you see the word ‘Australia’ spelled out in letters three metres high at Twickenham?
Why do we do this in Australia? When an overseas team comes to Australia we bend over backwards (and sometimes forwards) to celebrate the opposition.
Just look at the trophies we play for, and who they are named after. Bledisloe Cup? A Kiwi. Mandella Plate and the Freedom Cup, Hopetoun Cup, Lansdown Cup, Trophée des Bicentenaires, Puma Trophy, James Bevan Trophy and the Cook Cup.
There is not one item there even a little bit Australian.
New Zealand play England for the Hillary Shield. France and Italy play for the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy (born in France and unified Italy). The best we can do is the Tom Richards Cup, an Australian who played for both the Wallabies and the Lions.
Where are the trophies named after Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, Trevor Allan, Cyril Burke and Nicholas Shehadie? Why not the Catchpole-Meads Cup or the Ella-Wilkinson Cup?
New Zealand own their home games, especially with the Haka and the Blackout and in Wales the choir leads the way, as does Swing Low at Twickenham. Rod Macqueen got it right when he introduced Waltzing Matilda at the start of each home game.
So tell me, why do we give so much ownership and motivation away at home?
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.