Julia Gillard has begged the Wallabies to do her proud, if only to stem the stream of rugby-related sledging from her New Zealand counterpart.
The Australian prime minister squeezed in a quick catch-up with the boys in gold during diplomatic talks in Auckland, making sure to test her ball skills and encourage them to go well in the Rugby World Cup.
She jokingly complained of “perpetual abuse” from Kiwi PM John Key during the two days of Pacific Island Forum talks in New Zealand.
“Somehow Mr Key would find a way of working (a) sledge” into every the pair talked about, Ms Gillard said.
She was good-humoured when handed not one but two All Blacks jerseys over the course of the conference, but seemed relieved to be gifted a Wallabies top on Thursday.
“Hopefully this will give you some ammunition to pass back out to John Key,” newly-appointed captain James Horwill told her.
“I’ll need it,” she joked back, before adding “we better make sure that we’re in a position to engage in some mocking back at the end of all of this.”
Coach Robbie Deans played down his sides winning chances however.
“We’ve got a great opportunity, a great challenge in front of us and we’ll make the most of it and see what comes of it,” he said.
He warned New Zealand not to take for granted a win against Tonga in the first game of the tournament, saying the Pacific Islands have the potential to shock.
“We suffered at the hands of Samoa recently,” Deans said.
“That’s what’s great about the World Cup. All the players are available and back from their offshore contracts so the combinations that you meet aren’t the typical Pacific Island combinations. They’re genuine, top-end representatives from those countries.”
As for whether Ms Gillard demonstrated ball skills worthy of selection, Deans politely dodged the question and thanked for her dropping by.
“It’s great to have her down here and meet with the blokes and give them some words of encouragement,” he said.
mattamkII
Guest
one of the best things I have ever heard on the rugby pitch....two blokes going at each other all day with verbals and physicals. At some stage one says to the other... ''yeah mate, but we are 4 tries up'' reply ''mate you could win this game, the world cup or even cure cancer. But the fact remains you'll still have red hair''
Jimbo
Guest
You wear Red on your heart she wears it on her head... you aren't so different! ;)
Jiggles
Roar Guru
you're an enigma Cattery...
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Personally, I've always had a soft spot for women with red hair (in a manner of speaking)
Jiggles
Roar Guru
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY39fkmqKBM
Nathan of Perth
Guest
A valid point
Jiggles
Roar Guru
But she has Red hair...
Worlds Biggest
Guest
At least she didn't put her foot in it like O'Farrell during the Wallaby farewell. That was embarrasing and simply uncalled for. Robbie Deans was standing behind must have been squirming.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Most unfair to our esteemed leader. Let us remember that Julia is Welsh born, and has more than a passing affinity with the game they play in heaven (and goodness knows, she is currently relying on providence for her political salvation). All that aside, a great way to start the World cup tonight, with hosts and favourites, up against a proud rugby nation who always play with plenty of heart. Unfortunately, I will only be able to catch bits of the game as I'm doint the live call on the opening night of the AFL finals series, but I will watch the start, and look in whenever I can. I hope NZ can finally claim it after so many years.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Fair point too, she became PM and all of her sudden her team went from the top end of finals to not even reaching finals this year. If she keeps that form we won't get out of the group stages :S
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Not only that, she is a an AFL person who would think a ruck involves jumping. Get out of it Julia
George
Guest
Advice coming from someone with the foulest mouth ever for an Aussie PM and the most incompetent. Leave politics out of the great game of Rugby - John Howard was always the quiet supporter - he supported the Wallabies with dignity. This woman spoils everything she touches - stay out of our great game.
Cattledog
Roar Guru
Me too! lol
Jimbo
Guest
I wish I could time my 'diplomatic talks' perfectly around the World Cup. :)
Jimbo
Guest
I just actually LOL'd
AdamS
Roar Guru
Wonderful, the Ranga kiss of death. We're so screwed.
jeremy
Roar Pro
Didn't K Rudd have a side bet with John Key where if the Wallabies lost one of the matches, he had to wear an All Blacks tie?