The events of the last few days in the Wallaby camp have opened a tin of worms such as Quade Cooper’s infamous quote on September 23 last year, describing the Wallabies as a “toxic environment”.
Maybe it wasn’t so infamous, maybe it was right on the money and nobody, including me, wanted to believe it.
Let’s relive it:
“There’s a lot of people who are afraid to say what they feel, so they just go along with it and nothing is going to change.
That’s why I feel so strongly as a player, I don’t want to be involved in the toxic environment and that’s how I feel at the moment.
“It’s an environment where things aren’t going according to plan and everyone is looking to point the finger”.
Now the dust has long settled on that blow-up, maybe it was Quade Cooper pointing the finger at reality?
In many ways that explains why so many of those punished by Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie for a boozy night in Dublin last week were out of character.
The culture surfaced, not the individual.
Adam Ashly-Cooper, Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Nick Cummins, Liam Gill, and Paddy Ryan were each suspended for a match, Not one of them would I have expected to create trouble at any time.
Not one.
And the suspensions have come at a time when McKenzie could ill-afford them, but it was his first strike against a team culture that’s obviously been far worse than ever envisaged from the outside.
Maybe I’ve been spoiled over the years with such great team culture as the 1991 Rugby Cup champions under Bobby Dwyer, the 1984 Grand Slammers with Alan Jones the coach, or the two Rod Macqueen milestones – the 1999 Rugby World Cup and beating the Lions for the first time in 2001..
The captains of those milestones were highly instrumental in an unblemished team culture – Nick Farr-Jones in 1991, Andrew Slack in 1984, and John Eales in the two Macqueen successes.
Unblemished team culture usually win games, unhappy sides invariably don’t.
Maybe the “toxic” culture was responsible for the two shock losses to Scotland, the shock loss to Samoa, and the loss to Ireland in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
And maybe Cooper didn’t join half the squad last week in Dublin to prove a point.
Put all the maybes aside, and the strong stand Ewen McKenzie has taken will be the biggest wake-up call any of these Wallabies have ever had,
There are no maybes in the future, the next one will join James O’Connor in the torn up contract brigade.
And somewhere down the track there may be some other Wallaby who will support Quade Cooper’s “toxic” comments.
Whether that happens or not really is immaterial, because there can be no denying who is the boss of the Wallabies, and from here on in under the Ewen McKenzie watch – it’s shape up, or ship out.
Ben du Toit
Guest
As a SA supporter I will say cooper is a fantastic fly halve attacking gem.. He'll only get better like all fly halves. I seriously do not understand why even Aussies get at him rather than behind him.. He's performing with all that criticism.. Imagine if the country gave him some believe from all corners.. Genia I feel has been a little of the boil but the class player he is, he'll bounce back. Must be the hair and tash lol
wannabprop
Guest
Maybe the 'legend' was created in 84, but anyone who saw him play prior to that (from 1980 for Australia, NSW AND Sydney at that time, against international opposition) had the privilege to witness a true rugby magician. If anything, he was already in decline (losing motivation?) by 84. If there had been a better forward pack and kicker (for Australia) prior to 84, the Wallabies may have achieved 2 Grand Slams by then, and beaten the All Blacks far more often (and they did beat them more often than they do now). If you didn't see him play (maybe there's footage of the earlier tests/internationals?), then I suggest you not comment on his abilities.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
Apparently the team siging the national anthem like that is a tradition from McKenzie's playing days that he is reintroducing.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
Not the same if you're on a trip paid for by the employer, staying at accommodation paid for by the employer. You're on duty for five weeks of the tour. Rules don't have to be writen. They were discussed, agreed, and Link gave them the chance to be responsible adults. Half of them were shown up as immature and irresponsible - that's poor team culture, transgress the agreed rules and assume nothing will happen.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
HIm, it'll he his fault. Deans took the Wallabies as far as he could, the challenge for Link is do better, if he can't get the next guy in. What's the problem?
Gunner
Guest
-- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Gunner
Guest
Not maybe, he was right. He is and has been for years the best 10 in oz and Deans and 90 percent of posters need large portions of humble pie! -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Mike
Guest
Well done David. We've had three or four articles on this topic already, and you've managed to produce another one, with nothing new in it. I suppose it sells copy, or clicks... There's still three days before the test - time for three more articles, all using the same material!
icky47
Guest
The Best Rugby Doco Ever is "We Beat The All Blacks!" When Llanelli beat the AB's in 1973. for true Rugby Spirit. The Wallabies should have to watch it, and a must watch by all Rugby Fans! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJLKmc-FNjc; Sorry not good at this you'll have to copy and paste.
roardog
Guest
Mowen will be one of the first one,s picked , listen to Laurie Fishers interview
Mike
Guest
Your difficulties with basic comprehension don't seem to be improving Justin. You certainly didn't learn from me that there were no factions under Deans. I will guarantee you that the Wallabies are riddled with factions, under Deans and under McKenzie - I have never known a sporting team of any kind that isn't. Now, if you and Carl want to spend some time on those English language skills, you might do better next time... ;)
icky47
Guest
... because the messenger had an agenda!
Paul from Melbourne
Guest
Unfortunately, there were only about 2 dots and It could mean anything, he might have referred to the environment that Dean was the head coach. It might be the environment that he has to defend in the 10 channel. It could be about other players. It could be a lot of things. You haven't offered much of an insight really. so I'd have to agree it is pure speculation. By the way, I'm seeing Cooper defending in the 10-12 channels now. Why didn't he do it with the Reds under Link? and Why didn't he do it under Deans?
icky47
Guest
Yeah right! He was a spoiled Prim ma Donna Brat who had had a brilliant super season, Crapped out dismally at international level, sadly injured, and on coming back wanted to start again at top billing. Deans had other plans, Princess's nose was put out of joint ...... he was looking over his shoulder at SBW and agent support ... he knew Dean's position wasn't strong, he could tell this by counting the number of knives in Dean's back from his loyal Aussie Rugby Supporters Group, so he "squealed" "TOXIC Environment! ........... I may have to jump to a soft ($$$$$$) cushion of League". looked at the ($) cushion offered .... and the rest is history. This Old Yarn is Bollocks! There is an old expression "The one fool greater than the Fool, is the one who argues with him" .... and this Fool is out of here!
icky47
Guest
Where do you seriously get this stuff from! Why would you guys wish to continue trading in this incredible world of yours of delusion, what is the point! Surely enough is enough!
icky47
Guest
Get Over It David!! ... this is that typical "Olde Oz Spin" When are you going to understand, "You Can't Spin Gold Out of Straw!" Move On! .... Cooper copped a massive pasting at the time.... Yes! and at the time it was more than well deserved. Were you not there? were you not watching? He was given his chances! He Failed to deliver, it was as obvious as tits on a bull. If he wants to be exonerated, all he needs to do is keep his nose to the grind stone, does as he is told, remains "Shut Up" and tries to perfect his play ... and perfect his goal kicking! ...and then he may make an acceptable first five. Give it away m8!
Darth Vadar
Guest
who will you then blame Red Kev if Link fails?
Chan Wee
Guest
@ David Lord "" That’s crap PeterK, with a large dose of kite flying. "" plz coud u explain that one ? kite flying , apart from the actual act is a term used in banking. It refers to the situation, where a customr holds accounts with multiple banks or multiple branches of the same bank and keeps depositing to an account, cheques drawn on other Banks / Branches so that it gives the impression he regularly transacts valuable business. Sometimes this gives him facilities like withdrawing against the un cleared cheques, thus enabling him to "roll the money". This is fraught with risk ; when a Bank allows him such a facility and if one cheque bounces from an account, it will have a cascading effect and the Bank could lose it all. i wuld be happy to know ur dfinition of the term , for my knowledge. cheers :)
David Lord
Expert
That's crap PeterK, with a large dose of kite flying.