There’s been so much talk of late about the stunning difference between the states of rugby on either side of the ditch.
The Wallabies’ recent Bledisloe Cup disasters have seen such choice phrases as “Australia is third in the world, first being New Zealand and second being daylight”, and the rather poignant “Maybe they’re just better than us?”.
With so much form centered around the top flight team, it’s only a matter of time before the conversation trickles down to the provincial competition and then further to the district grounds and grassroots rugby in this country.
Everyone knows where the blame lies for our abhorrent displays against the Kiwis; it’s a shame none of them seem to agree.
The fact is this current Wallaby team is not as good as the All Blacks. But we’ve been good in the past – the first country to win two World Cups – and we will be good again.
Provincially the Super Rugby comp is sound, and as a heathen outsider from the southern states I can’t speak for those at the grassroots level, but what I do know is there will always be those with deep enough pockets to play the game played in heaven.
All of that said, I can think of a few ways the powers that be can improve union’s position in this country. The first being invigorate the supporter bases from the non-rugby states.
My reasoning of course has a back story.
As the dust settled over the scoreless loss to the All Blacks recently, I stayed glued to the media circus waiting to see if any great snippets of news or controversy would emerge.
What I got was a series of soul-searching questions and some very astute observations from some who are becoming disillusioned with the game’s governance and its direction. One popular opinion that emerged was that the administration seemed to lack direction, with no common purpose.
Now being a self-confessed southern heathen obsessed with aerial ping pong, I do not pretend to know the truth in this statement. However, I can offer a possible solution, and that is to give the code a goal.
The AFL has been single-minded and bullish in its attitude towards expansion. Two new teams in foreign sporting lands is testament to that, but more important than physical expansion for the code is the expansion of influence.
The AFL seems less concerned with having a team on every corner than having the sport in the forefront of everyone’s mind. If the way to the wallets of punters is through their hearts, the AFL is on the right track to remain the country’s highest earning league.
If the ARU needs a direction, needs a goal, if you will, they should start by following the AFL model.
Before the flame war begins I do not mean expansion – the conference system is fantastic, and the current distribution of teams is spot on. I mean an expansion of the mind and heart, give the game to the masses who otherwise miss out. And I would start by having a regional round.
Now this is not an easy thing to do with an international competition and further compounded by the conference nature of the comp, but the round can ‘float’ through the fixture, that is can be made flexible to change and be moved easily to suit all competitors.
The round would involve teams playing a little further afield than they’re used to, but with the intent of exhibiting the game to otherwise deprived audiences.
Have the Rebels play in Adelaide, maybe wearing a red strip to commemorate proceedings. Have the Waratahs play in regional NSW, possibly against the Brumbies. Have the Reds in Cairns or Townsville, and the Force in Broome.
Yes, I am suggesting we add to the already heavy travel load. Yes, I am asking for ‘away home’ games that most sports fans hate, and, yes, I am saying the ARU should look to the AFL for guidance. Southern arrogance, I know.
But doing this would reap benefits, not in the least tapping the strong grassroots supporter base in places like regional NSW, North Queensland and Adelaide, and possibly even unearthing one in far north WA.
And it might even prove to be a vehicle for expanding the game that little bit more, thus giving the Wallabies more support in the long run.
It doesn’t need to be big, but if the game needs a direction then send it in the right one, and that’s getting more support.
Losses come and go, the sporting public can be merciless, but such a mission of goodwill could help provide the needed direction.
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.
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