For Australian rugby fans, a win over England this weekend would be less like the beginning of a cure for their ills – and more like a loved one briefly waking from a coma before saying goodbye.
To all but the most deluded and insular of rugby people, Australian rugby is in intensive care.
It took New Zealand-based rugby journalist Mark Reason to slap us into accepting the harsh reality.
Said Reason, “In Paris at the weekend Australia played with wretched cowardice”, and the blunt-instrument-jolt from one of our opponents was like a truth serum. The confusion we felt was stripped away and there was a painful moment of clarity.
The most common response I had from rugby people who had read Reason’s thoughts was “I’m sad because it’s true.” That was alarming, because of all the spectrum of emotions, sadness is one of the most resigned.
A sad people are a beaten people, and Australian rugby fans are perilously close to giving up. Not because they don’t love rugby any more, but because it is clear that Australian rugby just doesn’t love them.
Should Australian rugby people walk away from the game entirely, it would be impossible to blame them.
They have swallowed several bitter pills in recent times, but the sledgehammer between the eyes is the realisation that the Wallabies don’t actually represent them in any meaningful way at all, and that their impassioned cries for change are no more than background static to the kingmakers.
Spiritually, the Wallabies play is so foreign to their supporters that they might as well be from another planet. Never has a Wallaby team been so devoid of daring and ambition, and full of fear and confusion. Few would remember a Wallaby team in such a funk.
But the awful truth which has hit home to the Australian rugby public is that they can talk about it all they like. Their voices just don’t matter.
All of the forum posts, bar chat and letters to the editor simply highlight the fact that rugby in Australia gives no voice to its supporters, and is not listening.
The stark reality is on show. As an Australian rugby supporter, your ability to influence decision making in Australian rugby is zero. There is no avenue to run for office. There is no way to apply for consideration for a directorship.
There is virtually no way for a rugby person to access the equivalent of their “local member” to push for reform or ask for funding. The decision making machinery exists behind a wall and the supporters are outside.
The situation is dire, but there is cause for hope. The fact is that the rugby community doesn’t need the establishment.
Aside from a moderate injury insurance policy for injured players, the average rugby player in Australia receives zero benefit from the ARU. There is almost no financial investment in the grassroots.
Coaching programs are essentially user-pays. Clubs survive on their own subs and sponsors. Development is regularly lamented as being insufficient. The ARU is as irrelevant to grassroots people, as they appear to be to it.
The advent of professionalism has driven player salaries and professional franchises to a new level of financial operation, but has not benefited amateur rugby. The amount of money available to the ARU to distribute to the state unions and clubs is paltry by professional sporting standards.
The ARU has also proven itself to be a haven for exclusivity. Far from being the guardians of the Australian rugby tradition, they have accommodated those who have compromised it the most.
Can anyone imagine a true Wallaby missing the team announcement for the World Cup and still appearing at the tournament? A true Wallaby urinating in the street drunk or assaulting a bouncer?
Man-children, narcissists and navel gazers thrive in the Wallaby setup, to the detriment of their more honest, conscientious teammates, and in spite of the contempt of their supporter base.
I have said “Australian rugby tradition” rather than “Wallaby tradition”. This is deliberate. Despite the Ptolemaic view from many players and administrators that the Wallabies are the centre of the universe, the reality is that the rugby public is the wellspring of rugby life.
If rugby supporters stop caring, the Wallabies are dead in the water. The Wallaby jersey only holds the mystique it does because the public love and revere it. Once they stop caring, it’s just a shoeshine rag.
Despite the power the supporters hold, they remain disorganised and emotionally bereft, waiting for their leaders to hear them and listen.
It’s time for supporters to realise that Australian grassroots rugby isn’t going to be given a voice by the establishment. If rugby supporters want to find a way out of the depressive fug of isolation, they must take the bit between their teeth and organise themselves.
A well-organised, well-financed grassroots rugby organisation could and should stand alone in Australian rugby, giving a long overdue place at the table to long suffering rugby loyalists, alongside the professional franchises, the national body and the players union.
Some will cry “Revolution!”. Perhaps. But the game has moved on and the elite have been the major beneficiary.
Why should the grassroots people be left out? The volunteer workers, coaches and unsung players are the ones who buy the Test tickets, the merchandise and the pay TV subscriptions.
They turn up to the fan days and make the Wallabies the figures of adoration that they are today. Why should they have no voice in the direction of Australian rugby?
Whatever happens next on the Spring Tour, the issues are clearly bigger than the next Test match. Disrespected and shunned, Australian rugby supporters are rightly angry.
They must find their voice. The future of Australian rugby depends on it.
zhenry
Guest
Bit late for this, been busy: Don’t’ ‘New World Order conspiracy’ me Uncle. Conspiracy means claiming as fact without the evidence, to misrepresent the evidence. To single out the ABs and McCaw when all rugby teams and players push the boundaries at various times, is to totally misrepresent the ABs and McCaw. There are so many laws in Rugby Union that spotting illegal play is not difficult, however to make relative comparisons across teams and other players, makes sense. Reason made no effort to do that. The fact that the ABs win so many of their games is testament to how well and comparatively clean they play. I won’t go into the WB scrum, the attacks on McCaw and so forth. Reason and his father before him, are well known English t.... journalists who thrive on dumping their anger on sections of the population that don't rate; as far as the owners of the organisations they write for Can you imagine Wayne Smith writing to his AU readership that the Wallabies are a dirty cheating team? No way would he do so and no way would his AU owners suggest that he do so: Not even considering; just before your country hosts a RWC.
Chivas
Guest
Robbo... I would suggest they have better things to do... they loved the game while they were playing. Do they go along and watch club footie and support there old clubs, do they still have involvement in the game they profess to love.. And Robbie Deans did this... As I say fair weather fans. Players care when they are playing and involved. Now they don't watch. As I say I have never turned off the sides I support. Do you know where Wallabies come from, clubs... How are the clubs going? What are they producing? What skills are they developing? What attitudes are they instilling? A coach of club sides... what did you do to inspire and push for better coaching and training methods and creating a legacy? Truthfully, I think the sport is better off without people who turn up for a few and then when things aren't going well... well they just cry off. Let them watch netball, soccer, AFL whatever. Let them turn their back on their supposed sport... it matters not. It just shows degrees of loyalty today. Maybe they have children and a family and don't have time anymore. Things change and some can't change with it and get left behind. then they cry and demand the game was played better in their day or coached better when they were coaching... even after they have moved on. The All Black game has changed too... at one point Fox was kicking all the points and that was the way the game got played in NZ. I have heard winning can be boring too, after the 87 run there were people in NZ hoping the AB's would lose because it was getting boring.... IMO some people are happier complaining, let them but don't let them say they are fans. They may have been participants at one point, but that is all... Even participants get a voice and the chance to pour more deision on the game, which discourages others. So good for them... but don't let them say they love the game. If that is what love is then no wonder there are so many single parent families. I think some people have too much of a voice... starting with Alan Jones... and the queue continues, apprently including some ex club coaches and some ex wannabies..
OneJayBee
Roar Rookie
Jack, I agree with your sentiment but your statement ("never") is not correct 2010 Final Score: Wallabies 49 – Fiji 3 Qantas Wallabies 49 (Digby Ioane 2, Kurtley Beale 2, Richard Brown, Quade Cooper, Drew Mitchell tries; Matt Giteau 7 conversions) defeated Fiji 3 (Taniela Rawaqa penalty) at Canberra Stadium. (Half time: Wallabies 14-3) Ok, you can argue Fiji is not a 'biggie' but Sydney Brisbane & maybe Melbourne have the stadiums that'll hold the big numbers for the major games (although the way things are going that may be in doubt! in future anyway.!! I think the non quad nations games probably could be shared around a bit - I thought the Newcastle game with Scotland was a great initiative , great local support by rugby (mates I know in the area had a great time), just cruelled by horrendous weather on the night...
joeb
Guest
hell, the bloody thing just popped up again... smoke 'n mirrors!
joeb
Guest
Jez, I replied to this earlier, but it’s vanished,seemingly into the Creator’s eternal ether, Think I’ll vanish too, for now, ;) ''I want both my state and my national team back.'' i think we all do. It's a work in progress, we might get nsw back, if we're lucky, next year, :)
joeb
Guest
Jeznez, you know something, I had a dream, the MLK revelatory kind, apparently, when he said times four, “I had a dream, I had a dream,” etc. etc., and this morning it finally dawned on me where the error of our ways actually lie… Let me explain… last night on the news, that little segment on SBS TV at around 7.10pm they have each and every night, there was this pitiful sight of this extremely awkward uncomfortable Wallabies coach under all manner of pressure (sure, you had to feel for the man), facing the media over Campo’s scathing outspoken comment that he Robbie is the worst thing that has ever happened to Wallabies rugby… And now it’s hit me – Robbie D does not understand Australian culture, because how could he if he’s a born and bred New Zealander who rightly put off accepting the Wallabies job – and even for a cool million dollars – “until” it was clear he’d missed out on his preferred first-choice beloved All Blacks coaching role – we were a very distant not-really-interested second on his preferred pecking order, hence his perhaps flippant comment during the Bledisloe recently after we lost – yet again – “There are the All Blacks at No.1, and then everyone else fighting for position 2,” and there was even a clear hint of satisfaction – accompanied by a half smile-smirk on his dial! – as he said such. And who can really blame him? Once an All Black, always an All Black. And the same applies to Wallabies, as it does to every other player representing their nation. E.g. tonight. This game has the potential to go down as one of the true great contests, if one, England are anywhere near as good as everyone’s saying they are, and two, if the real Wallabies turn up, regardless who’s injured and missing, and who’s available. But what can Robbie do or say “passionately” to his charges prior to game time to inspire a true fierce Australian fighting-spirit performance from them? He’s clueless judging by his comments to the media yesterday, but if he had any knowledge of Australian history as a true-dyed-in-the-wool-born-&-bred Australian, he’d have a wealth of past achievements to draw from such as for instance the triumphant Rugby League Kangaroos who in the 1980s went through two NH tours “undefeated” in spectacular fashion, and in ’78 wasn’t it also where they only lost one match due to – according to Bozo – a misinterpretation of the French ref’s ruling that cost them a clean sweep? This is why a Wallabies head coach appointment should always go to a home-grown individual; imports simply don’t understand the culture and true style of Aussie rugby. This said, Mick Hawker’s recent announcement that for our next ARU CEO appointment, “a worldwide search will be conducted,” but this again is foolish and totally unnecessary because who better understands “Australian rugby and our culture” than former players who represented us at the highest level? With talent like Eales, Horan, Ella, Gregan, Larkham, Farr-Jones, Campese to name a few, and former coaches such as Alan Jones, Macqueen, Connolly, Dwyer, and Eddie Jones too, what need really is there for us to look overseas for O’Neill’s replacement? Chances are going this course we’ll end up appointing a Sol Trujillo-type, and what in common, or more critically, knowledge, would such an appointee have with Australian rugby and our culture? Sadly, once again sweet bugger all, which will only further damage the Wallaby brand in the long-term. For tonight, Wallabies, play in the spirit of the all-conquering 1980s touring Kangaroos – give it everything, take no prisoners, run it like we know you really can! Greetings to you all, got shopping to do. Chat later. Cheers, and c’mon Wallabies, do it for the embattled coach, your fans and country, and perhaps most importantly of all, do it for yourselves and posterity so that you can all hold your heads high with pride. We the fans know you have it in you. Lead ’em Sharpie, and leave it all on the park. Go Australia!!!
soapit`
Guest
the internet is changing that. if they wont be give us reasonable access the internet allows us to take it. its been true of music and movies and now live sport.
soapit`
Guest
what exactly do they offer to warrant state rep if they cant pass run or tackle?
Parisien
Guest
I'm becoming more and more French, hence the Gainsbourg perversion, but French or Australian, we all like to beat the English! I'm not sure if the Wallabies are up to it this weekend, but I'll be watching like every other rugby tragic here!
Ra
Guest
because they own the viewing rights and are contractually obligated, and because its damn good rugby, or could it be that there are more kiwis over here than the immigration stats own up to
bennalong
Guest
Bravo Chivas! We've seen these blokes get smashed and come back. Keep the faith! To me, the product of a school of 500 or so, losing was a way of life. I sent my son to Alo's, another small school and he too had to suffer the ignominy of defeat against more powerful sides. BUT................................... ......the Firsts came onto the field each home game between two lines of classmates who cheered them on whether they were winning or not! To me, that's what Rugby is about. A bunch of old fashioned values out of place in the modern world but needed more than ever Now Logues, I do appreciate your article and the spirit of it produced a great response with far fewer purely negative pars than usual. I share your frustration but the fact that a team pulls out a couple of cracker performances does not guarantee , as Chivas says, that they won't lose the next week to a lower ranked side The current Wallabies side is cobbled together and might aspire to be our firsts but in fact it is not. Is it strange then that our ranking drops in the circumstances? We'll get it back as key players return God I hope we beat England GO the WALLABEEEEEZZZZZ
Robbo
Guest
Having coached Wallabies at Club level in Sydney , it saddens me that even they now do not go and watch Test match rugby, so disenfranchised with the game they once loved and shed blood for. i've written to Michael Hawker on 2 occassions now , only to recieve an automated response from the ARU, this is an indication of the malaise the game of Rugby in Australia has got to, even Eddie Jones at one of his worst times replied to an email sent to him while on tour in Wales, but not a word this time from anyone at the ARU. This has spread to our Academy as well, as i have on good advice, the shambles that is in, and again is replica on the field at our last under 20 tournament We have totally lost our way under Deans and the NON administration of O'Niell ( thank god he is gone ), i supported Dean's appointment, but his time has come, the results and the "dumb" way we are playing has to stop, we cannot wait to get thrashed by the Lions next year. Robbo
Uncle Argyle
Guest
Max Howell ?
Chivas
Guest
I love how fans want a voice... silly thing is they do, unless people think negative comments about team and coach expressed through forums is not a voice. I am sure they express their dissatisfaction in bars and to anyone who will listen. So it is not really a voice they want. What does the voice they have do... it inspires others to follwo the sport or in the case of the Aussie supporters, it denigrates the team and the coach to a point that others who may be interested, would sooner eat spiders and have a cold shower than watch rugby. The fans in my opinion are so obnoxious and full of themselves in Australia, it hasn't turned me off the sport, but it has turned me off the Wallaby fan. I thank god I'm a kiwi. All this bleating in Australia puts the NZ lamb industry to shame. Do you know what I think of when the team stumbles, I think of a team of fully fit players, led and inspred by excellent players. I think a smack in the face will help the team get stronger. I think of the llessons learned and gained and how that will make us more resilient next time. I forget the game. having grown up in the Waikato, I have seen the team win some amazing games against the Springbok, the English, Auckalnd when at their peak...but I have seen them lose to sides the following week which are several levels below them, but never once have I considered switching allegiances or complaining about the players on the field (many of whom I knew and played with) or the coach who was the best we could get and doing the best job he could. Dissappointments abound... losing is a necessary part of winning. As a fan I support my team over every other team and if we lose, I don't cry and demand retribution, I feel flat and think to next time... I am not suggesting my approach should be everyones, but take a step back and have a look and judge your own response. Consider instead of being an outsider, you know and care about these people (players and coach)... you have every right to express disappointment and disatisfaction, but at least it might be balanced. All I hear are fair weather fans.
Billy Bob
Guest
I have to admit that I am lost, every since the funeral early last Sunday morning I've been in a daze, and lost for words about Australian rugby. I would love to go to a discussion about what we 'non-voting' disenfranchised fans can do about our beloved game. I'm not defending Deans anymore but if he goes it won't in itself be the cure of Australian rugby, or even the beginning of it.
Johnno
Guest
lol i agree onside, no doubt about that lol.
stu
Guest
Mark Reason's article and this follow up by Loges are bang on the money. We have some high profile talented players who have little or poor character and a national team who plays not to lose. It's sad.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
Good point Jack and good on you for raising it. I guess in this dollar driven world the ARU is constantly trying to balance crowd numbers, that bring serious coin to the coffers, with new markets that will expose Rugby to 'one day' fans. Meantime Canberra with it's rich Rugby heritage keeps dipping out. On the surface it seems unfair. Any idea of likely numbers that a test in Canberra would attract? I suppose fans would come from Canberra, Queanbeyan, Country NSW, rural Victoria, Sydney & Melbourne. Plus of course the die hards that fly-in from all over. That to me looks like a pretty decent chance of attracting 30,000. Or am just being totally unrealistic? How many can the biggest ACT Rugby ground hold?
MikeM
Guest
Agreed, Linz22. But they lost more than just the youth.
Johnno
Guest
lol I know always eke the L word in Uncle for sure.