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I was only 3 back in 1984. But sometime between the ages of 3 and 13, I recall flashes of a long sleeved, dense gold jersey on the likes of Crowley, Kearns, Smith, Farr-Jones, Noddy, Horan, Little and Campese.
I recall watching rain-soaked games somewhere overseas before the torpedo pass was perfected.
I recall Noddy and Fox going toe-to-toe in conversions. I recall when Horan snapped his knee and when Campese threw “that ball” over his shoulder against Ireland.
At the age of 13, I decided I would prefer to ‘hand-ball’ the ball and left the game of football, which had been my sport since aged 7.
It was then, in the years between 13 and 23, that the game became mine, and memories of club and school took their place as part of my character and forming the foundations of friendships.
I learned to tackle, thanks to one of the Kefu brothers. I’m sure others my age did, too.
I remember being told to “run around the oval until you spew” by my first coach at Kenmore. I remember converting a try at Ballymore which gave my under 14 side victory against Sunnybank.
I remember the school games with war cries and scuffles- all respect at the end of the game.
I remember the grazes, tag marks and aching muscles for the next few days. I remember playing next to my mates from Grade 1 in an undefeated premiership season at Wests when I was 19, and the Bundy which flowed thereafter.
These years were the best years and the reason I watch the game today.
Enter the 2009 Grand Slam, with the Wallabies on shaky ground after a disappointing Tri-Nations and Bledisloe series.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind losing. But only if we play well. We’ve all read the bad press the ARU and rugby has been receiving, and it’s no doubt these two factors – the performance of the national team and the media coverage – are contributing to a dulling down of this year’s Grand Slam.
And perhaps the game has moved on from its Glory Days and significance of this competition. Perhaps not.
One constant is the same and that’s that this tour is going to be bloody hard, which will either restore some pride in the fans or may have some of them switching the channel for good.
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.