There is really little difference in the performances and results of the two national men’s sides and where they sit in the world rankings.
Both are trying to convince a doubtful public by looking back to the last World Cups (ODI in cricket) for support, but realistically they both are at place six or seven in the world – and deserve that ranking.
While cricket has gone some way – maybe a long way – to attempt to address the situation rugby has simply pulled the covers over their collective heads.
I would rather focus on rugby.
After watching much of what happened on the weekend in Europe, we are without doubt the worst of the four main southern hemisphere nations, we have no attack at all, no structure and lack skill.
I read Spiro’s article and like always many of us look back too far in time, pining for the past. In my opinion this is not helpful, in the short to medium term nothing will change for the better on the pitch.
To explain why I say this, let’s go through the whole sport in a way. So I will set out who has to take ownership of this mess. Actually, we all have to.
Yes the media, the fans on platforms like this, management, including administration and coaches and, of course, the players.
So let’s start. For many of us who have followed the factory of rugby and not just SR or the Wallabies like many who write here or are paid within the media it is no surprise that Super Rugby and the Wallabies are where they are and deserve to be.
The school competitions are mainly meaningless in the context of higher levels of the sport. So are the next level comps and this is why we have finished mainly sixth or seventh in the U20’s world cup for the last seven years.
Little wonder we are where we are. This means the players don’t have to fight for positions week after week and coaches are in the same boat.
Israel Folau is tackled (Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, many fans and media are either unwilling to accept that many of our players, while no doubting their commitment are just ordinary.
They are unwilling to accept it due to only two reasons, either they don’t understand the game or they look at it through rose coloured glasses and are therefore deluding themselves.
The sport since around 2000 has had a conga line of either inept or well-meaning but not up to it administrators. The last two CEOs and Chairs are arguably the worst of all, one a captain’s pick the other when no-one wanted the job.
The chairs while their respective CVs in business look impressive a more forensic look would uncover a less flattering profile.
The players try hard but are not up to it. They are becoming derided within the community which is creating a siege mentality within the group but this is not working either mainly because they lack the skill sets of their opponents.
The coach has gone through the following blame game, refs, the media, some players by dropping them, back to the refs and then the media again. Soon no-one will listen or care.
Once no-one listens or cares then money will dry up and guess what players, coaches and admin you all won’t be getting the money you get now.
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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