It was Aesop who first said, “united we stand, divided we fall” – and fall we did. While there’s a myriad of factors that have contributed to the decline of Australian rugby, there can be no excuses.
After canvassing opinions throughout the community – some of which admittedly were more solicited than others – I’ve distilled what seem to be the common threads. So for all you failure apologists, let it be known – I’ve heard your voice. Now – in the interest of unity – it’s time for you to hear mine…
We don’t have the player base
While there may be some truth to this statement, it comes with an asterisk. Granted, South Africa has more registered players at 650,000 – followed by France’s 360,000, England’s 340,000 and New Zealand’s 150,000. Australia sits ninth on the list with only 100,000 players – which is broadly consistent with the Wallabies International Rugby Board ranking of sixth and their quarter-final exit.
However, raw playing numbers are only part of the story – it’s how these players are resourced that matters. For example, Sri Lanka has a similar number of players to Australia – but the Brave Elephants won’t be challenging for a World Cup any time soon. Our privilege is no excuse for mediocrity.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
We don’t have the coaches
Current form aside, it’s hard to argue that the Wallabies have been historically under-coached. Since the last golden era – at the turn of the century – our clipboard-holders have been Eddie Jones, John Connolly and Robbie Deans. They’re all in the top echelon and were in-form appointments.
And look at the quality they beat out – with the likes of Jake White and David Nucifora never earning a cap. I’m pretty sure coaching’s not the issue.
We don’t have the pathways
While this has been true in the past, the National Rugby Championship is bridging the gap. A true second tier competition is a must. Just look at what the old Americas Rugby Championship did in one paltry year. Plus we’ve got academies, well-heeled clubs and a strong foundation at the school level. So with pathways now in place, this is a no longer an excuse.
And what’s my point? We have the player base, the coaches and the pathways – what we don’t have is unity. It’s time to come together and get behind a solution – with no more finger pointing, no more tribalism and no more excuses.
As a community, what we choose to accept defines what we can achieve. And it’s time to stand united.
Republican
Guest
In both Union and League patronage is predominately Kiwi or PI. Unions CEO is Kiwi while the code only exists here on the back of these diasporas. League also faces huge challenges in this respect. Union is unattractive to contemporary Australia as far as GR goes and this won't get better. League is marginally better due to media support but really, this version of Rugby is also on thin ice, in attracting GR beyond PI and Maori heritage in the Australian market. Over 30% and growing, of NRL elite players, are either NZ or PI heritage.
Angus Nunn
Guest
Slade would've of been shoehorned into 10 sadly, when in reality he's the perfect 13 with a big 12.Ford and Farrell would've been somewhat stifled especially at somewhere like QLD or NSW where developing 10's has more been reliant on the player's talent and giving young up and comers little gametime then throwing them into the cauldron a season later by themselves (McIntyre, Horwitz, Mason, Stewart).Hopefully, for our sake NSW doesn't screw up Mason anymore, and let Donaldson and Harrison play 30-40 minutes exposure whilst getting good Shute Shield and NRC exposure.Btw under Cheika, someone with the physical attributes of Vunipola would of been welcomed despite their conditioning and lack of attention to detail in aspects i.e. Skelton and Hanigan.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
What is this gravy train. If you’re going to throw this out, tell us what they get out of it.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
They don't seem to have any beyond the gravy train.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
Why should RA run schools rugby? Juniors is job of the respective state unions.
Joseph
Guest
Sadly, I think you're right re it being a poisoned chalice. Which is why I'd be astounded if Eddie Jones is successfully recruited. It would be a massive retrograde step for him.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
@Evan yes I understand you meant well but unfortunately a few motherhood statements don't help us atm. We've all known for a decade lack of unity in Aust rugby is killing us. RA, and ARU before that, have been riddled with petty provincial squabbles forever. It's only gotten worse last 5 yrs with appointment of a coach so blatantly biased towards failing Tah players. The issue now is how best to effectively unify plus address all the other many outstanding issues. We urgently need detailed strategies and action plans addressing all the issues I listed and lots more. Mine is just a preliminary list.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yet taking control of the age group pathways has seen an improvement in results...
anopinion
Guest
Is it? What channel? When? (i honestly did not know). I got rid of Foxtel a few years ago and have not seen a game of Super Rugby since.
anopinion
Guest
The problem with those player mentioned was that there were already very good union players to fill the positions. The league players were purchased as marketing tools and therefore were parachuted into starting positions which they had not earned.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
At the same time, pre-RWC, how many England players would excel in Super Rugby? Of course players like Itoje would be a star anywhere. Billy Vunipola would have struggled in an NZ Super team. To slow, not mobile enough. Likely would have played Super Rugby in Aus but not made the Wallabies. Curry and Underhill would have been not 7s, but not 6s or 8s, in the same way Julian Salvi struggled (who has done very well in the Premiership). Willie Heinz was nowhere near the AB's. Ironically it's the backs who probably would most likely succeed down here. But that's what good coaching does.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
For professional opportunities that certainly is my position. Just pointing out that a person complaining about players having to do it, seemingly has no problem with others doing it.
AndyS
Guest
They should have to relocate to develop? But isn't your position in the adjacent thread that WA players having to relocate and turn their back on their home state constitutes a pathway...? ;)
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
That’s not a re-introduction then.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
yes TWAS - I neglected to use the word "live". And not just 1 game per weekend of say Tahs televised live in NSW or Red's in QL. Needs multiple games - the best 3-4 of the round that weekend. When SR has been on FTA TV in recent yrs it's been shown 11pm to 3am mid week.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
I have several times before and I wasn’t anymore “snarky” than you ???? Unfortunately. a few vague motherhood statements of intent don’t help atm. We need 100s detailed practical solutions urgently.
PeterK
Roar Guru
fair enough
ChrisG
Roar Rookie
Cheers Peter. My comment was in response to the "Deans was never top echelon" rant from OJ above. In the professional era Deans was not as successful as Rod Macqueen, the most successful recent coach, however he compares favourably to others like John Connolly and Eddie Jones who would be considered in the top echelon. Thats the point I was attempting to make
mach4
Roar Rookie
Start at the very top.
PeterK
Roar Guru
ChrisG - You said Deans had a better success record that the coaches before and after him. I assumed you meant the ones just preceding him and succeeding him i.e a refelction of coaching with the same talent. So Connolly preceded him and had a better record so you are clearly wrong. Now if you mean all coaches not just right before and after then there were plenty of coaches before who had a better record. None after though, all 2 of them.