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Many Roarers have been asking for the Australian Rugby to bring back the Possibles versus the Probables trial matches for Wallaby selection.
Recent media reports suggest that such a trial game was on the cards during the six week hiatus the players have between the last Tri-Nations match and the first game on the European Spring Tour.
It has been stated that the ARU has shelved the idea after the Australian Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) requested that each player be paid $2,500 for the game ($150,000 in total).
It is well known that the relationship between the ARU and RUPA is not a good one, so there is probably more to this story than we know.
But let’s look at this on face value.
After the capitulation by the Wallabies during Bledisloe three, there have been questions over the passion amongst the Wallaby squad. The lack of depth in Australian rugby has meant that many of the incumbent players have no pressure on their place in the team.
They may believe they are giving their all, but nothing pushes someone more knowing that another player is breathing down their neck wanting their position more.
During the 90s, the Australian One Day Cricket team played Australia A.
These contests understandably, were not enjoyed by the Australian team, but gave players like Matthew Hayden a chance to shine for Australia A.
And the rest is history.
Should the players forgo the match payment request or should the ARU pay the players?
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.