There is little to gain in continuing the cynicism currently surrounding Australian rugby.
Confidence at all levels seems to be at an all-time low; within the team (despite the noises), in the administration, at grass roots etc.
It truly saddens me to see this, because even though I am an ardent All Black fan, I am a fan of rugby first and foremost.
World rugby needs a strong Australia because that can only make our beautiful game better.
Confidence is a funny thing. Completely qualitative and yet it makes us range from not being able to face the morning to be able to be able to take on the world. From pulling at a jersey to putting your shoulder against knee. From absorbing a big hit to throwing a hospital pass.
It requires an iron belief in one’s self and one’s ability to apply the skills honed, regardless of the circumstances.
To these eyes, there is no belief to be seen anywhere in Australian rugby and that needs to change quicksmart.
The ARU has no idea how to organise all the levels of rugby and ensure a sustainable and organic growth of the game, Ewen McKenzie cannot stop making asinine comments, the Wallabies cannot translate the pride they have in their jersey into consistent, passionate performances on the field, the media cannot stop sensationalising everything and conducting a weekly witch hunt, supporters do not fill stadiums and lose their faith far too easily.
It is time to stop, take a deep breath and start again.
The complete reassessment of Australian rugby is a task for another time and for people far more clever than I am, but I’d like to offer a starting point – the face of Australian rugby, the Wallabies.
If used properly, the symbolism of a winning Wallaby team can galvanize rugby in Australia as little else can. The problem is though, how do you inject confidence into a team that has precious little left?
Simple – get back to basics.
There is so much wrong with Ewen McKenzie’s statement of having to ‘dumb down the game plan’ that it borders on ridiculous for me, but the one thing he’s got absolutely right is the sentiment.
Francois Pienaar recounts an anecdote in his excellent biography ‘Rainbow Warrior’ which is relevant. The Transvaal coach had just been sacked and the yet to be legendary Kitch Christie had been appointed as the new coach.
His first meeting with the Transvaal team was five minutes before kickoff and yet he got straight into it.
He asked the gathered team how they were going to play and answered his own question with, “You play on the right, the right!”
Transvaal played on the right, forcing the opposition to pass from their (statistically) weaker left hand, which prompted error after error.
Transvaal won the game and won it based on one simple principle.
McKenzie, if he follows through, is on the right path and has got one of two things he needs to do right.
One is implementing a basic yet sound gameplan, the other is introducing team-oriented players. A player’s talent level is irrelevant if he is unable to put the team first and those need to be weeded out.
Once you get the team culture going, the rest is sure to follow. Simple and effective.
The Wallabies and McKenzie would have avoided 95% of the criticism they have received so far if they had shown team spirit and put in a 110% into their games so far.
The criticism is well justified but, for the progression of the team and for Australian rugby, the cynicism needs to end.
We have every right to demand the very best of whoever steps forward to represent our country but those demands need to be measured and reasonable. Cynicism will get you nowhere.
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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