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The Wallabies are blissfully oblivious to the Rugby World Cup as they enjoy a few days of down time in Robbie Deans’ beautiful neck of the woods.
Unable to relocate to booked-out Nelson until Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s Pool C closer against Russia, the Wallabies and their WAGS have traded training for jet-boating, hot spas and BMX riding through the streets of Hanmer Springs on New Zealand’s south island.
Deans was born in nearby Cheviot and remains a Canterbury legend for his deeds as an All Black and coaching feats at the Crusaders.
He couldn’t think of a better place than a peaceful alpine village, population of less than 1000, to bring his battered and bruised troops for some desperately needed R & R, before the business end of the tournament gets underway with the quarter-finals from October 8.
“It’s a place I am familiar with and fond of,” Deans said on Sunday.
“Obviously it’s a different environment. I was woken up by the silence last night.
“It’s a good destination where everything’s in close proximity. You’ve got the hot pools which is a great source of recovery and, when you look at our circumstances, it’s a great place to be.”
The players welcomed the rare chance to bring their partners into camp and forget about the game for a few days.
“As soon as I got here my rugby mind switched off,” said hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau.
“I just put my feet up on the coffee table and chucked some big logs into the fire.
“Particularly when guys go through ups and downs like we have so far, it’s good for the guys who have partners to bring them over and catch up and take their minds off rugby really.
“Sometimes it can get too much where you get so sick of it because all you think of is rugby.
“You need to get the balance right, get away from it and hopefully come training time we’ll be ready and mentally refreshed.”
With Olympic golden girl Stephanie Rice among the celebrity girlfriends in tow, Polota-Nau even admitted to being a little envious of some of his teammates.
“Obviously that’s what makes them the better gentlemen. I am looking myself for one so hopefully Hanmer can provide Mrs Polota-Nau,” he said.
Deans said a balance between business and pleasure was key, especially at a tournament as big as the Rugby World Cup.
“There’s an enormous amount of scrutiny and it is difficult to get away from rugby in New Zealand because everybody has an opinion and takes an interest,” he said.
“It’s quite astounding the knowledge of some people you encounter. And that’s great from a game’s perspective.
“But from a player’s perspective who are under the pump of expectation, it can become relentless.
“So this is a good opportunity for us.”
The Wallabies won’t resume training until Tuesday and will visit devastated Christchurch on Wednesday before heading to Nelson.
Christchurch was to have hosted seven games, including two of Australia’s pool fixtures, and serve as a home base for the Wallabies for three weeks of the tournament before a magnitude-6.3 earthquake levelled the city in February.
Deans felt visiting the area was important.
“Really, we’ve come here for two reasons: team motivation first and foremost because that’s why we’re here, for the World Cup,” he said.
“But it’s also an opportunity to include the Canterbury region and the people of Canterbury.
“So given we’re playing in this region next, it allows us to get as close as possible. While we’re achieving our aims, we can do something valuable here for the public because they deserve it after the earthquake.
“They’re a very proud rugby population and there’s a lot of history between Canterbury and the states of Australia, particularly Queensland, and both areas have had challenges in recent times.
“There’s genuine empathy here. We’re not coming as tourists, we’re not coming here for a gawk. We’re coming to do something of value to the community and do something to help essentially, as well as give them the opportunity to touch the tournament.”
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.