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AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy - Managing Director and CEO of Australian Rugby John O'Neill
There’s one man who has had a bigger negative influence on the performance of the Wallabies than anyone else this year. Who is it?
Al Baxter, Robbie Deans, Richard Brown?
Of course not. It’s the man running the whole show, John O’Neill.
Let’s look at four crucial plays O’Neill has made which have had such an effect on the Wallabies.
1. Firing Lote Tuqiri
Very few journalists have mentioned what a devastating and disturbing effect this must have had on team morale and confidence.
To jettison such a senior member of the team just before the start of the season has had the expected effect on the side’s enthusiasm and quality, in contrast to the vibrant and dynamic beginning to the last Tri-Nations.
In addition, a superb wing (when on-form) has been lost.
2. Roughly negotiating with Dan Vickerman
How were the South Africans able to dominate Australia so much in the line-out and out-muscle them in the loose? The absence of a world-class lock, that’s how.
‘Neill negotiates with players as if they were normal employees in a company. That is, roughly.
Rugby players need to be handed more delicately.
And it is this tough approach that persuaded Vickerman to leave.
3. Refusal to buy a rugby league fullback
It has been blindingly obvious for some time that Australia lack a top running fullback. James O’Connor and Adam Ashley-Cooper are centres out of position.
Two were potentially available this year – Karmichael Hunt and Billy Slater – and the ARU didn’t seriously bid.
O’Neill now thinks that it doesn’t make good sense to buy league players, and in general, he may be right. However, in this critical case an exception should have been made.
4. Letting Tahu go
Stirling Mortlock gets injured and who is the brilliant strike runner to replace him? Ryan Cross.
There is no brilliant strike runner because O’Neill hasn’t done everything to keep Timana Tahu.
The absence of these four players has hugely weakened the Wallabies.
O’Neill has a hard approach to negotiating, which may be good for the administrative side of the game (though his failure to suggest a Super 18 instead of 15 would suggest not).
However, when it comes to players he simply seems to be unaware that:
a. There is a lack of talent available in Australia. Losing or not acquiring three or four top players really does matter in a way it wouldn’t in New Zealand.
b. Negotiating with players involves using kid gloves and backing down sometimes in a way unnecessary with office workers. Otherwise, they get unhappy and go.
By all means, keep O’Neill for the general administration of the game.
But for all matters relating to players, someone else should be given responsibility as soon as possible.
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.