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With all the media coverage of the game these days, there really is a responsibility for modern rugby players – and administrators (and referees for what it’s worth, too) to ensure that the ‘product’ they put out is entertaining.
I think one of the big mistakes that rugby administrators made in Australia was to consign rugby to the domain of Pay TV, with very little support from free to air.
This created a situation where rugby, essentially, could only be viewed in Australia by those who could afford Pay TV. That image of rugby being an elitist sport, rightly or wrongly, was reinforced.
The problem was further conmpounded by the lack of attractiveness in the way most of the Australian sides (the Reds of 2011 are the obvious exception) have played their rugby.
The Entertainment Factor has barely been considered in Australia – by the coaches, by the players, by the administrators charged with running the game.
I feel this has been one of the most detrimental factors in the decline in popularity of rugby in Australia.
With rugby competing for eyeballs – and dollars – against the other well run codes here, two of which benefit considerably from their free to air coverage, the onus really falls on those involved to create a compelling product.
And it just hasn’t happened in recent seasons.
Contrast that to the growth of rugby in South Africa, and the ongoing success of rugby programs in New Zealand.
Even in Zimbabwe, where I am now for a week helping the U21’s prepare for their largest international competition, rugby is on the rise, mainly because the sport is presented in a positive, attractive light to youngsters, who are the future stars of the game.
In New Zealand, all the good young players want to eventually become an All Black and the marketing of the All Black brand reflects this. Being an All Black is aspirational, inspirational and achievable.
The injury toll that has hit the Wallabies this year, courtesy of the Super Rugby season, has been devastating, and unusually high.
Some of the injuries have been horrific. Is there something in the way these younger guys are training?
The game is getting faster and faster and the collisions are becoming increasingly rugby league-ish.
The number of players that are currently unavailable for the Wallabies exposes the holes in the Wallaby depth.
That said, Quade Cooper has come back from months out and looked like he’s never been away. And Deans has the core nucleus of players available that have been there, done that before.
I think it was a wise decision to leave Rocky Elsom out. His impact has gone. He isn’t player he once was. In his absence, Pocock and Higginbotham will step up further.
They are both playing good rugby.
And there are some good young players coming through, but I’m not sure if they will be experienced enough to take on the responsibility.
So Deans will have to select the guys to do the job he wants, depending on the style of rugby he’ll have the Wallabies playing this year.
But, again, it should start with the Entertainment Factor. Deans needs to brings fans through the turnstiles, and do that, he has to do more than just start winning.
He needs to have the side playing an attractive, attacking style of rugby.
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.