Publican and former Test prop Bill Young has lamented the demise of an old-fashioned mid-week beer on Wallabies tours.
Coach Ewen McKenzie has slapped a number of players with one-match bans and official reprimands after he said they had been drinking excessively and broke curfew.
McKenzie has defended himself against accusations of over-reaction amid claims a number of players are upset at the heavy-handed penalties given out and already the affair is trending as “Guinnessgate” on Twitter.
But either way Young, the second most capped Wallabies prop of all-time with 46 Tests including the 2003 World Cup final, said the move likely put an end to any more mid-week bonding sessions on tour.
“I think it is great to see the boys bonding and enjoying a drink together,” he told AAP.
“It’s part of what being in a team is all about. Some of my best memories are of having a beer with the boys.
“We had a saying ‘Drink up and Front Up’ – you could have a drink during the week as long as you were ready to go when game time came around … and that is what they did.
“They played well on the weekend so the night out didn’t seem to affect how they played.”
But Young, who owns the Concord Hotel in Sydney and The Palace Hotel in Mortlake, said he understood that if team rules were broken the players had to be punished.
“It doesn’t sound like they went over board either. It doesn’t sound like they had too many.
“They were just having a good time. But rules are rules and that is the team protocol and if that is the case then it is understandable that they have been punished,” he said.
“A mid-week beer was always on in our day but I guess the times have changed and you have to move with them.
“They don’t seem to have done any harm but the rules are the rules and if they have been broken you have to pay the price.”
bennalong
Guest
We have only one side of this. How are you all so sure of the facts?
Chan Wee
Guest
Alcohol will make initial bruising worse as will any substance that either thins the blood or swells the vessels. However , it will not increase the time needed for the bruise to heal. In fact, it may speed healing of the area, because it will allow fresh blood to get to the injured site faster, carrying the building blocks necessary for the bruise to be repaired. The issue is the amount consumed. A medically proven fact is that small amount of alcohol helps to clear or intenally dead cells. Also red wine is proven to reduce heart ailments. Excessive amounts (ad-hoc) usually causes hangovers and other side effects. Excessive amounts on a regular basis leads to internal organ damage and many related illneses.
AndyS
Guest
I'm sure the lesson has been learnt. If Wednesday is the day off, don't go out on the Tuesday night. Just start at opening time the following day and fill your boots, so long as you are in before curfew.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Physiologically, straight after the game is actually the worst time for them to drink. It has a very negative effect on recovery, especially from injuries. And almost all of them would be coming out of every game with at least bruising. Alcohol increases swelling I believe.
Red Kev
Guest
I see Mckenzie has now slapped a complete alcohol ban on the team except for after the games. They're in the UK, home of some of the finest brews around and they'll have to be dry - ahahahahaha - serves them right.
JamesinSyD
Guest
Exactly. For gods sakes, the buggers have been mediocre for ages. As a coach you have to try and eliminate those things that may negatively impact performance.
Red Kev
Guest
They are allowed mid week beers, they just (a) can't drink to excess, and (b) have to be back at the hotel by the agreed time. What is the big effing deal.
krakkerz
Guest
There is nothing to lament. The mid-week beer with the boys is clearly still OK. That opportunity was provided. Some just overstepped the mark.
Maxt
Guest
The template for Benny A, a prop who played a gazillion games for the Wallabies with suspect technique.