When will a Wallaby say something like: “No more talking into the microphone, we’ll leave our talking to the scoreboard, and then talk into the mike”.
Quade Cooper copped a media lashing when he did something similar in a seven seconds grab on his return to the Wallabies after injury.
But he had every right to do and say what he did. The media cannot have it all their own way when they want it.
It’s far more refreshing compared to “we’re gunna do this” and “gunna do that”, and end up doing blow all.
Don’t talk about it, DO IT.
Now, more than ever, the Wallabies must win against the Boks in Perth tomorrow, and the Pumas on Saturday week at the Gold Coast.
Careers are on the line for more than half the side, and that means coach Robbie Deans as well, even though he’s not dropping passes, losing possession, kicking it away, or missing tackles.
It was prop Ben Alexander’s turn to wax lyrical yesterday, starting with Deans’ mounting problems.
“We feel responsible for the side not performing, but as far as the speculation (over Deans’ future), it’s not a focus of ours,” explained Alexander.
Hang on, the Wallabies are totally responsible for Deans hanging onto his job by his finger nails. Start winning and Deans is safe. Keep losing and Deans is history.
Alexander went on: “Our focus is just going out, playing well, and representing our country with pride”.
Now that would be a step in the right direction, with pride and character low-value commodities in the two Tests against the All Blacks.
To quote Tim Shaw, and there’s more: “We got stood up by the best side in the world , and we copped it on the chin”.
What an incredible thing to say, copped it on the chin. No way. You don’t cop anything if you want to win.
“We’re very proud Australians and the country deserves better performances than what they’ve had to put up with in the last few weeks”.
All very noble Ben Alexander, and you are quite right. But the fans would far prefer the actions rather than the words.
Which brings us back to where we came in.
“No more talking into the microphone, we’ll leave our talking to the scoreboard, and then talk into the mike”.
allblackfan
Guest
Ben Alexander was a last minute callup. It was supposed to be Stephen Moore but his injury ruled him out of fronting up.
jeznez
Roar Guru
or is that oarsome with an O.
Daz
Guest
Talk is cheap!
Tristan Rayner
Editor
BennO, Thanks for those words. We certainly have an editorial policy towards strong opinion, analysis and insight - but that isn't lightweight commentary. Shock jock isn't what we like and nor what the site will become. As I said, we don't always get it right though but we will cop it on the chin when that happens! Harry, Thanks to you as well. We do our best. Lordy does as well, and would probably admit he's wide of the mark on this one. Cheers all - and go the Wallabies tomorrow. Tristan (Roar Editor)
Rob B
Guest
Perhaps if Ben Alexander focussed less on being the Wallabies' press relations manager before every single test and more on trying to do his job on the field, then the Wallabies might gain some credibility. A little less media time and even fewer scrum collapses on your side, Ben would be appreciated.
katzilla
Roar Guru
I humbly attest to our superior humility!
Argyle
Roar Guru
No Jez its choice!
Harry
Guest
Can I just say that IMO The Roar is one of the few remaining quality sports journalism and sports debates media left, and you do a great job. That said for anyone who doubts the breathtaking ability of Sydney identities to change their spots/backflip/absolve themselves should look at David Lords piece of ten day ago and this effort, where he takes directly opposite views. Classic. Question for David - the vitriol aimed at Quade in that article wouldn't have been just a little bit motivated by being on the same wavelength as the ARU, or at least receiving some encouragement from the ARU? Or a bit of good old fashioned Qld/NSW bias?
BennO
Guest
Tristan, Just checked in to see if anyone replied to me and I appreciate your response. I agree there is often some excellent analysis, particularly from Brett McKay and more recently Clyde Rathbone and Paul Cully. I have certainly enjoyed some of David Lord's articles too. I enjoy the debate that comes from not agreeing with an article. The comment above was more about the motivation and quality behind this one, and several others, that has left me a bit frustrated. There seems to be a growing tendency toward shock-jock style articles here, rather than intelligent analysis. It's not why I have enjoyed The Roar for so long. Anyway, I'll probably drop in again some time down the track once I've stamped my feet a few times and I want an update on Clyde's comeback or to read Brett's latest defence of Robbie Deans ;-). Cheers, Ben
jeznez
Roar Guru
I love the myth of Kiwi humility - its awesome.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Well spotted guys, went back and read that article at your prompting and this is what David had to say: "Had Cooper not treated the media and his faithful supporters to that bizarre television cameo after his selection of just 23 words lasting seven seconds before he stomped off without answering any questions, he wouldn’t be so much under the pump. Cooper knows he’s going to cop the big time verbals from the Eden Park faithful, who gave him hell during the Rugby World Cup. So why give them more ammunition on a plate? Bad call." I actually agree with David on this article rather than on what he had to say regarding Cooper. The Wallabies need to stop their posturing in front of the press, stop delivering the sound bite and just do their talking on the field.
Red Kev
Guest
I often wonder at that - media committments are written into a lot of their contracts. I would think that the Wallabies would be better served by a contract clause that says no contact with the media unless accompanied by the Wallabies media manager, and only having 4 or 5 (the leadership group) authorised to talk to the press ever. Maybe I just like the idea of banning brand O'Connor from ever touching a microphone again, man that guy is a colossal tool.
Jimbo Jones
Guest
When will the media stop shoving microphones in these guys faces and ask them for a comment?
jameswm
Guest
I loved Quade's interview. I'm feeling good and looking forward to it. Say any more and give the media something to go with. I wish the rest of them would just shut the hell up and act like grumpy Canterbury farmers. Think Wayne Bennett.
stillmatic1
Guest
you are correct. either way they are stuffed. simple thing is to actually go out there and perform then nobody would/should care what comes up in a press conference etc. and that is the point. the performances are simply not up to scratch and any little sound bite will get twisted to either mean "we are good, so stuff you" or "go away you hack". to be honest, i dont really care what they say, and dont find much of what they say to be relevant, but it does grate a wee bit to hear some of the hyperbole after couple of wallaby wins (as for any team) and this adds to the "arrogant" angle. my comment was just in general, and more in line with what you posted justin2, not based on what alexander said. as jutsie says, we often ge caught, hook, line and sinker. fun though. to be fair, philM, posting further down, has put what i mean much clearly. is the talking actually promoting the game anymore? arrogant or not, is it resonating with the fans after we see another limp performance?
Tristan Rayner
Editor
We do read this feedback BennO and Sage. We don't always get it right and occasionally you won't agree with the piece. That's fine and we enjoy the rigorous and smart comments left on articles. However, the analysis provided by Spiro Zavos, Brett McKay, Paul Cully, as well as David Campese, Clyde Rathbone, we believe, are second to none across Rugby - let alone the intelligent analysis and contributions from Roar of the Crowd writers, who give wonderful insight from a number of different angles. David Lord is a seasoned pro of Australian journalism, but not everyone gets it right all the time. He writes every single day for The Roar. This volume of material means he nails pieces. And from time to time, he misses. But the beauty of The Roar is that we have probably one of the most informed sports crowds in Australia, if not the world. And you guys sure didn't miss the clangers! Thanks for the feedback. Cheers, Tristan (Roar Editor)
Jutsie
Guest
Ive enjoyed reading the comment sections under articles about comments Hansen has made to the media regarding Dean's position or Henry assisting the argies. Looks like alot of the roar'ers who gleefully swallow up the creative headlines and loaded language used to report comments made by wallabies are the same guys that get their knickers in knot when the similar methods of creative journalism are employed when reporting on Hansen's public statements. "How dare they say he gloated"
Sage
Guest
Disappointing isn't it BennO. I'm feeling your pain too. Maybe there isn't much to talk about with an underperforming coach and team but journo standards seemed to have dropped. RedKevs amateur pieces on the cattle myth this week were pretty much the highlights. Perhaps it's just the dark clouds over the WB's and their supporters being reflected in the written word. And agreed Eric, speaking of myths, about the BS constantly trotted out about NZ as the humble quiet achievers and Aus as all arrogance. I think they keep saying it to convince themselves. Nobody I know has that perception.
peterlala
Guest
Funny
peterlala
Guest
Gold.