What a post by Jack Quigley, the unknown soldier of the rugby public that expressed and captured the disappointment, heartache and anger of the rugby public in Australia.
In his drunken state, Jack, while not always correct, successfully showed what has really gone wrong in the last 15 years.
Much has been written since the post went viral. Michael Cheika even called Quigley to urge him not to lose faith, while also putting the post on the dressing room wall.
Players that at times don’t seem to have the right attitude. Basic skills and enthusiasm lacking. Players that seem to be going through the motions.
One of rugby’s great elements has always been that old sense of amateurism within the game. Players that wanted to do it for the honour of the community, the club or the nation they represent. It was an unsustainable system of course, but in changing to professionalism, have the Wallabies killed off their most valuable asset?
What happened to David Campese saying England are boring? What happened to Phil Kearns giving the two fingered solute as he barged over for a thrilling try?
What happened to captain fantastic, George Gregan, getting in and talking to the referee like a defence barrister?
It would seem that the modern Wallabies, a Wallabies sanitised by political correctness, who’ve forgotten who they are as most of them now play in a competition filled with fabricated teams from fabricated corners of the Earth.
The players and the coach have listened to the above and are hopefully going to perform much better next weekend, as indicated by Michael Cheika’s phone call.
But what about the fans? Where are we? It’s all well and good to like a post on facebook, but what about your own commitment. Will you, the fans, be at the Italy game on Saturday?
In total, 45,000 people liked Jack Quigley’s post on Facebook. but will 45,000 fans show up on Saturday?
I will. See you there.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Rabbitz you have a dark outlook on our game. Unfortunately I think you are right on the money. When you think of the game as a performance you begin to wonder why the man of the match award (sponsored be Seiko) seems to be given to 1 of 3 paid "Seiko ambassadors" for their performances or because it is part of the advertising brief the Wallabies are contracted to. I tip my tinfoil hat to you.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
Perhaps when hell freezes over ?
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
Yeah should have been good enough to beat Scotland. As well as caring it would be nice if it looked as though they were thinking about the game as well.
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
Aw come on - the Wallabies have a chance at winning this test. Imagine the joy of being in the crowd for a winning Wallaby test. That's getting to be a rare commodity lately.
Fionn
Guest
Tempted to switch your allegiance to the All Blacks, Rhys? :P
piru
Roar Rookie
How about accepting the fact the players just arnt good enough. The players are plenty good enough, but they have to care
piru
Roar Rookie
you don't need to start fights to show passion You could just hit a ruck like it matters to you that you keep possession, chase a kick like you care, tackle like stopping the guy is important to you. Run when you DON'T have the ball!
Gman
Guest
Exactly right - all the gains from that RWC were ploughed back into the elite game - where the kids /teenagers who should be playing today fell off.the wagon Its the next generation that cant be lost , or the game is toast
PJ
Guest
Connor Watson played 1st XV at Knox Grammar in 2014, for reasons only known to "selectors" he couldnt make a rep team. 18 months later he was playing NRL.
AndyS
Guest
Both right. Sheriff is correct - Wallabies doing well, immediate uptick in grassroots involvement. But only if that is then maintained for ten years or so will it translate into the Wallabies improving further. For mine a big part of the reduction in grassroot involvement is the period from 2003 where the Wallabies lost their way. I guess we will find out in the next 5-10 years what effect the current situation with the ARU/Wallabies will have.
Link
Guest
I cant speak for how many 1ST XV players from bris and syd went and signed with NRL clubs, but I do know these Aussie Rugby Schoolboys went to the NRL immediately..Could be more Tepai Moeraoa ( Eels ) Luke Keary ( Roosters ) Tyson Frizzell ( Dragons) Kirisome Auva’a ( Rabbitohs ) Andrew Mcullough ( Broncos ) Kayln Ponga (Cowboys) Tom Wright (Manly) Angus Crichton (Rabbitohs) Taane Milne ( Wests Tigers)
Phil
Guest
You are right,Epiquin.Probably the most enjoyable rugby match I have ever attended was when we lost to the AB's in 2000.I think everyone in that crowd walked out of the stadium happy,just because it was a supreme effort by 2 teams.That's what we want to see from the Wallabies.
Mac
Guest
Thanks for the facebook insert. Passion may have slanted some comments but essentially I agree with Jacks comments and the article your wrote Spikhaza. I will be watching but if we loose it will be an black or blackest days. I expect we will win though. However as with loosing, as we do is how well we play that counts. The Wallabies need to put in 80 minutes and if scoring 100 pts is on offer then like the Kiwi's we need to play hard and score to the hilt. No slacking and saying well we have this in the bag at 30pts. The Italians can play so only a fool would be complacent. Wallabies need to remember they exist because we fans pay the way. Its time to play rugby with purpose or replace the lot and start afresh.
Jitterry
Guest
For $60 a ticket why would you turn up? Are they Wallabies providing $60 worth of entertainement. Remembering that's just the cost of the ticket.
mania
Guest
sheriff i reckon you got it round the wrong way if grassroots is good then all aussie rugby would be good
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Why should we? Professional rugby is in the entertainment business. Nothing more, nothing less. If your favourite band or actor, simply turned out garbage year in, year out, would you buy their album or see their performance? I know I wouldn't. Why should it be different for professional rugby teams? In the entertainment business there is a maxim: "You are only as good as your last show". The public are harsh critics and can be fickle - but they rarely get their reactions to poor performances wrong. We have put up with lack-lustre and insipid performances for a long time. The result is poor crowds and poor ratings. The solution? Perhaps a more professional attitude and a more polished performance?
paul
Guest
Wallabies No Good = Foley Playing.
Gman
Guest
Chicken or the egg ?
The Sheriff
Guest
Historically, the grassroots thrives when the Wallabies are doing well. Proof? Registrations at all level rose dramatically after the World Cup wins and when we beat the Lions on tour. The equation? Walllabies Good = Grassroots thrives.
Nostradamus
Guest
How about accepting the fact the players just arnt good enough. Just in the past couple of days there has been stories on Connor Watson and Angus Chriton being in the junior Rugby system and choosing league instead. How many more would be out there that have done the same. I think rugby needs to find away to keep the interest in RU for the juniors because at the present it seems to be an awfully long road for them to achieve their dreams of playing professionaly, and they end up choosing league or a career. So many players don't develop to their potential till theyre in their mid to late 20's (especially forwards and halves) and the lack of opportunity in RU is only getting worse imo.