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Do you know what I hate?
I don’t hate the All Blacks, love them for showing me what rugby can be. Not some idealised version of passion or physicality – but rugby with skill, thought and culture.
All the wash-up from Wallabies vs All Blacks Bledisloe 1:
» QUIGLEY: Bledisloe a damning indictment
» LORD: Rugby is an 80-minute game
» Match report: All Blacks wallop Wallabies
» What changes should Australia make for Bledisloe 2?
» Vote in our DIY Wallabies player ratings
» WATCH: Highlights from Bledisloe 1
» WATCH: Michael Cheika’s post game comments
» Re-live the match with our live blog
But I do hate the fact I have to wake up today and explain to my son why the Wallabies were humiliated… again.
I hate the fact my daughter laughs and says that wouldn’t happen in hockey.
I hate the fact I watched a club rugby game with skill, thrills, and theatre (Rats vs Manly) that got our hearts pumping and belief so strong – but was then followed by mindless rubbish.
I hate the fact my kids could play on Rat Park at half time and watch two clubs compete in a game of tug-o-war and then hug like old friends, before watching millionaires forget how to pass, tackle and run.
I hate the fact that the same millionaires have ruined the culture of something I hold so dear.
I hate the fact that after playing, coaching and administering the game for 30 years I threw my Wallabies shirt away and walked out 10 minutes into the second half, embarrassed, as league supporters laughed at me.
I hate the fact that my passion is gone. I haven’t paid for a ticket to watch the Waratahs or Wallabies in five years.
I hate that the people in charge are more concerned about their business class air tickets than the Collaroy Cougars, Oakley Juniors or Western Raptors.
Most of all, I hate the fact that tomorrow when I read the paper, I will go straight to see how the Swans did.
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.