Gentleman; A wonderful Tri-Nations once again showcasing to the world the best three teams in world rugby reside south of the equatorial line around middle earth.
Now, whilst there was a spectacle of rugby in all matches, I have some concerns about the amount of rugby being played by these fine athletes.
Whilst I haven’t as yet spoken in detail to my SANZAR partners (for reasons I’m sure will become apparent), I need to ‘flag’ some issues to yourselves to gain your initial thoughts.
There is an abundance of rugby now being played in the professional era. If we combine this with S15 duties, club commitments etc, some athletes are exposing their bodies to unnecessary early wear and tear.
Now whilst the immediate reaction to something of this nature is to reduce the number of games, this would cause considerable heartache to many and would not be in the spirit of fairness all round.
We must attempt to look ‘outside the square’ in looking for an answer here.
After significant consultation, admittedly within Australia only at this stage, we believe we have uncovered the answer, which will not only avoid overworking these elite athletes, but perhaps prevent significant injury to many.
What the ARU proposes is games at the professional level are reduced to 40 minutes only. Essentially, one half of rugby only should be played.
This will have a massive effect on keeping players at the elite level for longer and prevent many injuries, which appear to occur when the legs are weary, generally during that unnecessary second half.
Please consider this proposal carefully. The health and wellbeing of many elite athletes may depend upon your support.
PS: Any thought that it’s becoming more apparent that the Wallabies are unable to string more than one half of rugby together bears no resemblance to what is outlined in this proposal whatsoever!
Cattledog
Roar Guru
Yeah John, I some how think it won't have any legs. But who knows, maybe it will all turn around during the NH tour, starting with a demolition of the men in black! One thing about us Wallaby supporters...we live in hope...lol
JohnB
Guest
Cattledog, problem is SA & NZ might insist on it only being the 40 minutes of play after an initial "not for points" 40 minute full contact warm up that counts (on the basis that a proper warm-up is a very good injury prevention strategy).
MM
Guest
ptovey01 Work it out!
ptovey01
Roar Pro
Are you for real MM? I think the joke may have been lost on you, either that or you have a funny way of showing a sarcastic point. Well done Cattle dog!
Cattledog
Roar Guru
Good point Dingo, another option we may need to 'flag' to the IRB...lol :)
DingoBob
Guest
It seems to me that the worst thing to happen to the Wallabies is half time so we should just eliminate that and play straight through the 80 minutes.
Parisien
Guest
The good news is that the Wallabies have now extended their 40 minutes worth to 62. That's a round hour!
MM
Guest
Mick - no worries - I have a habit of losing myself at times - especially when jumping from work tasks - i.e. audit & investigative reports. Well Mick - I am really still rather stunned by KPI's - and I think that's possibly an overkill - just my views on that one. You're referring to safety very humerously - thus I couldn't resist asking what I did in the same form of humour. Hope this clarifies mate - and thanks for questioning.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
MM - you've lost me, mate. I have no idea what you are trying to say. And what is a "Zanzar"?
MM
Guest
Sean - I don't need to look up anything. What is wrong with having stated one's opinion - yet respecting enough to admit possibilities. Should "we" abstain from being personal and get on with the issue at hand now?
MM
Guest
Cattledog, Thanks - but no, there was zero aim to see through you. Despite what myself and others may say - some great ideas are born from top of the head brainstorming etc.
MM
Guest
Mick.... KPI's? OHS? (incidentally are you not onto OHSAS yet?) It would be nice to see this as humerous, until you dig even further... SA is briefly referred to - but the author is clearly not really going there - what constructive viewpoints can you give? Hopefully you do find time for this Mick. Go well.
Cattledog
Roar Guru
KPIs, you really think that necessary, Mick? What you're really saying is these poor unfortunates may actually have to do something for their pay cheque. Can't see RUPA giving something like that a tick! I think your now infringing on player human rights. Loved the Mr Grumpy giving McCaw an upercut to wake him comment! Classic.
Sean
Guest
MM, look up the phrase "Tongue-in-cheek". Then give yourself an upper-cut :)
Cattledog
Roar Guru
MM. Thanks for that! I can now see I really need to provide significantly more analysis to such articles, rather than just write from the top of my head, as I did in this case. You've seen right through me. Clearly, there has been no analysis conducted on this, even in Australia. And yes, it appears foolhardy to go direct to the boss before at least getting input from Zanzar. However, if this proposal had been adopted a month ago, Wallabies would have staughtered the last 3 tests! ;)
Cattledog
Roar Guru
I could have easily have written an article on how we could put 80 mins of rugby together rather than just 40. Thought, however, I would do it with a twist. Lost on some, not on others! My article on the live blog hasn't been published yet...may not be, but needless to say I appreciated the updates provided by all and sundry.
Sprigs
Guest
Yeah. I was trying to keep the score fresh for you Mr Cattledog but after a while it all got a bit too exciting and I subbed myself off the blog to fulfil my responsibilities to issue instructions to the team via the TV and to bounce about in joy/anxiety on the couch.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
He's a Gold Coaster, Brett. We of the White Shoes Brigade are as crafty as Arthur Daley from Minder in acquiring stuff. You want a D12 bulldozer? Midnight Spares up at the Ox Tavern has a nice little ex-Council unit for you. We seem to have misplaced the keys though.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Whilst we are, Brother O'Neill, momentarily distracted by the stewards enquiry into the performance of AllBlackistan in yesterday's Novice event, we've had a quick dekko at your submission and we say au contraire! to your fear "this would cause considerable heartache to many." It coincides and dovetails nicely with recent requests from RSA Rugby and the NZRU for on-field sleeping capsules to be provided for their players' use during the other 40 minutes. These will replace the "Back in 40 Minutes" signs recently issued to those Unions. By the way, today we dispatched your re-stocking order for two handled reinforced canvas bags to the ARU pay office. We take seriously our OHS obligations on safe lifting techniques for Wallaby superstars as they lug their loot home each Friday. We remain mystified there are no Key Performance Indicators in your ARU player contract template. Yours in Rugby .....
Brett McKay
Expert
well played Cattledog, you've done alright here for a bloke with no tv (for I assume that's why you had to rely on The Roar's live blog last night ;-) )