As a young All Blacks fan, there was nothing more exhilarating than waiting for a Bledisloe Cup match.
My household would be in a particular vibe on game day and I always knew when it was time to take on the Aussies.
The heartbreaking moments stand out. John Eales slotting the penalty at the death. Toutai Kefu’s try under the sticks. Stirling Mortlock’s intercept in the ‘03 World Cup.
I always hated the Wallabies growing up, but loved nothing more then playing them. When the AB’s originally won the Bledisloe back in 2003, no one really pictured what was to come.
The few years after then when the Graham Henry era began, there were a few shaky years – which made the encounters so exciting and gripping to watch.
Fast forward 15 years, I can’t even recall the last time I was nervous for a Bledisloe Cup Test. I can’t even remember where it got to a point when I may have even forgotten it was Bledisloe Cup Week, as it has happened the past few years.
This is not disrespecting the rivalry or anything like that. I’m not bragging as an All Blacks fan. I think I speak on behalf of all World Rugby fans when I beg Rugby Australia to please sort out this disaster ASAP – we need a competitive Wallabies side!
It just isn’t right. The fear of possibly losing to two powerhouses has always spurred me on as an AB fan. The fear of a physical South African team, along with the fear of losing to a passionate Wallaby side – there is actually nothing better!
Israel Folau (Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Identifying the problem? That may be the issue. The player crop is nowhere near as talented and as deep as other countries, which makes it harder to produce quality performances.
The coaching staff have come under a lot of scrutiny. Also – so there’s a huge question mark over their performance.
I have heard a lot of the shake up may have to do with the lack of promotion of the game at the grassroots. Is there not enough attention for the juniors to pursue rugby? Do they then choose league or football instead?
I’m not sure. What I do know is this – the new Rugby Australia boss, Raelene Castle has a huge task on her hands.
She’s a former Chairman for NZ netball, and most notably, she was the recent boss for the Bulldogs in the NRL.
The resume is there, but is she up for the job? I would love to hear from Wallaby fans what they think the problem is.
I see a weak crop of players to pick which limits the coaching staff’s capabilities within the team. This could essentially fall down to the grassroots issue and if so, I hope this is quickly looked at.
There was nothing better than spending my Saturday mornings down at the club ground, playing rugby and supporting the other grades. We need that back. I live in Australia and I am all for promoting the game to increase the Wallabies’ chances of redemption.
I will say this, the Wallabies somehow always tend to be a strong competition team. Regardless of where their form is before next year’s World Cup, they will always be a threat.
But for now, please come back. The world needs the Wallabies to be dominant once again.
Jacko
Guest
His record is as good as theirs tho Fionn......The issue is overhyped by the press and ive seen DC have shockers but I dont remember any tests he lost us because of it,,,But BB has scored as many trys as DC in 56 tests less so todays game is different
golfunion
Roar Rookie
Glider, a polished overview, great read, keep up the good work, a Wallaby tragic, will never lose the faith, dream of being competitive, always admired the AB’s best wishes. ‘Golfunion’.
Tornado
Roar Rookie
Really loved reading the article. I don't follow rugby as much (AFL fan), but the read was very interesting. I think the grassroots is where it's at; a lot more kids are deciding to play AFL over rugby. Very non-bias too which was great
Sydneysider
Guest
I'm in the camp that wants to see Super Rugby fail completely. Until that happens, the crowds will continue to get smaller and the continued losses to NZ Super teams and the All Blacks will continue, and there are many that want it to continue. I'm hoping that it continues until everything falls apart and RA have to fall on their sword.
Steve
Guest
Willie, you are spot on. I am a long-time Wallabies fan and previously looked forward with eager anticipation to the NZ/Aus games. Even when the Wallabies lost (with a close scoreline) I was satisfied; I could take comfort in the fact that the Wallabies were competitive. Nowadays, I find that I have to force myself to watch the Wallabies (and frequently I don't). My expectation is that the Wallabies will lose to Tier 1 opponents, and have close wins over Tier 2 teams. In my humble opinion the change for the negative happened when RA decided to go with an Australian coach; imagine what could have been if Jake (White) had taken the reins (with Australian assistant coaches under him to learn the ropes). Instead, we took the leap with Mackenzie and then replaced him with Cheika: Neither was appropriate or qualified at the beginning of their respective tenures for the role, but Australia picked them anyway. With Cheika there now we are beginning to realise that, at best, he only has Plan A and when that doesn't work he then moves to blame (a) the ref, (b) the ref, or (c) the ref. The Wallabies seem not to have moved forward from the day he took over. For the sake of Rugby, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, the Wallabies have to get better. The dominance of the ABs is great to see (they are just magnificent to watch) and the resurgence of the Boks is great (although I do like to see the Wallabies get the better of them), but the diminishing performance of the Wallabies is turning into an embarrassment. What has really struck me is the lack of fitness that they show (recognising that "fitness" is relative to the team that they are playing) and that they cannot seem to play 80 minutes (it would appear that 60-65 is their limit).
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
Good one! Although to be fair, it was often difficult to tell what team Richie played for given how much time he spent on the wrong side of the ruck ????
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
Great post. Well done and agree on all you’ve stated.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
But that's why I find it weird that Hansen still has Barrett kick when either Jordie or DMac is on the field. It would be like playing Pollard at 10 and Morne Steyn at fullback answer still having Pollard kick?
Casey
Guest
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/coupler.foxsports.com.au/api/v1/article/amp/nrl/nrl-premiership/rugby-raiders-the-under25-starting-nrl-side-of-former-schoolboy-union-stars/news-story/0885cbf2c351468fac8b34d38b548419
graymatter
Roar Rookie
Glider You've nailed it! It has to mean something! I bet I can field a team that will compete because its important to them. It's not depth or skills ... its heart and mind!
riddler
Roar Rookie
i really enjoy the all blacks. always have. i have massive respect for them since i first started to understand them in 86.
Calvin
Roar Rookie
Agreed. As a Bok fan, I’ve always believed that Rugby’s greatest rivalry was between the ABs and Boks. So excited that the Boks are competitive (hopefully) again.
Ben
Guest
What about this one Olfella. It was game 3 of the ABs v Wallabies. Ritchie McCaw decided the team had had a long arduous season so told the team to stay in the changing rooms and have a few beers and he would play them on his own. "You sure?" asked Reado. "No probs" replied Ritchie. After 40mins Reado said to Reiko "hey switch the tv on for a sec. Lets see what the halftime score is". ABs 28 Wallabies 0. "Ok all good" said Reado. "You can turn it off. Ritchies got it under control." After 80 mins they checked the score again. ABs 28 Wallabies 27. As Ritchie came back into the changing rooms the boys asked Ritchie what happened. "Man. That was pretty close Rich. What happened?" Ritchie replied "sorry boys. At 41 mins, I gotta red card !!".
Paulo
Roar Rookie
The issue is the Bledisloe cup needs to also be contested. We use to have a 2 game series but no one really liked that from memory.
Ben
Guest
Still waiting Baz. Where did i attack you or any Aussie or Wallaby? See you cant backup much of what you say...just like the fake news that you project that you're big.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
It does feel like the tension has gone out of it to a degree, which is a shame, after all it’s that excitement and relief that gives us a lot of joy from watching our game. It will be ‘good’ when the Wallabies are back near the top. But as has been said a few times, it won’t happen with this current administration.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
I'll not sleep tonight wording about you two.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Hey, I said we should take it easy on you. I thought we might be upsetting you, you seem upset.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
help ! I'm being attacked by a couple of wet lettuce leaves who might be in NZ or might not be,
Olfella
Guest
Nicely put article I remember back in the 80-90’s when even if the AB’s beat the Wallabies you weren’t overly peeved because it was still a great game, anyone could have won up until the final whistle and you knew the Wallabies played hard and skilled rugby....in short, every game was a genuine contest and terrific to watch. But what makes me laugh now is how poor ol Hanson has to go on TV and talk up each Bedisloe game, pretend to put a positive spin on it by saying how tough and close it will be...what he is actually thinking is that it maybe hard and tough for the first 20 minutes or half at a stretch, but after that it will be a walk in the park. Gawd knows what he, Kieran Reid and the rest of the lads actually do say and joke about at training....” whose turn to score this week.....Don’t laugh too loud when they stuff up a play or drop the ball.....”