After Australia’s ignominious exit from the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, a journalist interviewing Michael Cheika asked him why Australia had been running the ball wherever possible and not combined that with a kicking game.
Sorry to bring back the pain of Cheika’s reply, but it was: “That’s how we play. That’s how we play footy… We’re not going to a kick and defend game. We’d rather win our way or no way. That’s the way Aussies want us to play.”
Well, my response is: not this Aussie. Not in my name!
The torrid narrative of running rugby has been dangerous. I shake when I hear it. No matter how well meaning it is, it becomes a python squeezing any rugby intelligence out of coaches and players.
I remember how delighted I was when Cheika was appointed: great bloke, authentic, proud Australian and successful. In his first press conference, he talked about bringing back physicality and look at the nonsense he spouted (and was repeated by some of the players also) in 2019! That’s what can happen if you allow the narrative to take hold.
(Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Be careful what you wish for. I read an article describing Australia’s recent win against NZ as ugly and suggesting Dave Rennie’s style was not easy on the eye.
Well, it was for me. It was full of heart and physicality and we beat the All Blacks.
The running rugby narrative is framed about Australian rugby supporters like myself: a West Australian who has never played rugby, played Aussie rules and couldn’t cope with such complexities as scrums and rolling mauls, but likes seeing Kurtley Beale try and run it from the back.
I admire Twiggy Forrest’s contribution to WA rugby but there is a bit of that in his approach also. Rugby is a bit too complicated for people like me, apparently.
When I first saw rugby on TV in the 1990s, I was attracted by the complexity, the diversity and the variety. What has attracted me is the physicality: seeing thudding tackles, turnovers, scrum contests, and one of my favourites, counter rucking.
As I’ve learnt more by watching the game, I have been staggered by the arrogance of this running rugby story, suggesting that – as we have gold jerseys – the defensive line should part in front of us like the Red Sea.
When I first heard the phrase “earn the right to go wide”, it all made sense, and I longed (and still do) for the time when the Wallabies’ forward dominance would return, so the backs can do their thing.
I listened to the podcast this week that had the interview with Sir Peter Cosgrove, ex-Governor General and rugby player. He made such sense when explaining why Australia needs five rugby teams (although we do need a few more Argentinians added for the next few years).
We need to appeal to more Australians, whether casual fans or converts to rugby like myself.
(Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
I used to love watching the national anthem at the AFL grand final and seeing the anthem played for gold medals at the Olympics and then I saw that the Wallabies could have that at every Test and represent me.
I still respect Aussie rules but rugby is now my sport, and everyone in my extended family in Perth supports the Wallabies – even the ones who are West Coast Eagles season ticket holders.
I am not naive. I don’t expect rugby to compete with the AFL or rugby league heartlands as the number one sport. But it has the potential to be far and away our number one international sport and there are people like me who will convert totally.
All I want to see when I watch the Wallabies is for us to be competitive every game, to be physical, to have a chance of winning, and some counter rucking, of course.
Winning rugby, now that is in my name.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Actually Unders you probably said what I was thinking better than I did.. I'm not agai st T20 cricket at all.. Place for both.. Likewise I do love running rugby but it has to coexist with tactical nous. I get my running rugby fix with 7s anyway.. Those proposing running fests need to remember 8 players on the field are forwards with a forwards job to do.
West Aussie Exile
Roar Rookie
Thanks Topo, it is Mr West Aussie, and pleased my article grabbed your attention. It's an honour to read some views from an ex Wallaby captain, player and someone with opinions. I liked the 'lesson' and it made sense to me. The bit about 'playing on your feet' us so true, the attacking team don't always get the credit for going forward if defenders just lay over the ball. We saw that in the Bledisloe when a defender could put a fingernail on the ball in the ruck and there's a turnover. I enjoyed reading the other stories also, especially about Randwick. I think it is exciting time for Australian rugby - let's get those good times back!
Unders
Roar Pro
As Eddie Jones says Test Rugby and Test Cricket are the most gruelling, competitive and interesting battles to watch. I think rugby fans should love both forms; you learn a huge amount of tactical IQ watching the Boks, England and other teams trying to play conservative ball and kicking. The Wallabies usually do have an original, dynamic attack but at the cost of a weaker pack and virtually playing Rugby League under Cheika. 2016-17 with Israel Folau saw Aussie have a fearsome backline but constantly got swotted by England and NZ. Similarly, who in their right mind would prefer T20's over a Test...
Saint Peter
Guest
The current Rugby coach Dave Rennie has us playing like a NZ side. Great to see along with new talent being added. Looking good for the future as long as we stick fat with him for at least till the next World Cup.
Enrique TOPO Rodriguez
Guest
To Mr West Exiles or Ms, WE, or Mrs WE, - Do I make my point? - Hello to The Super keen readership @ 'The Roar', These days hardly ever comment on any of these 'anonymous' postings. Nevertheless, I saw your title got caught, read it and loved it. A great opportunity for rugby union demystification of 'running-rugby' and a light exorcism of the 'floating visible ball'. I get the feeling I will not raise my popularity or Xmas parties invitations with my following comments. Also, it may feel like an Under 9's rugby lecture, and so be it. In rugby to entertain you go WIDE (lateral), nonetheless to WIN, you go DEEP (forward). The 4 Principles of rugby are 1) Go Forward; 2) Support; 3) Continuity; and 4) In defence, apply PRESSURE to gain territory first and then recover the ball and... RE-START attacking. The No 4 P, has been destroyed by IRB/WR and TV! (bring back the ruck) and abolish this idiocy of CLEAN OUT (hitting players without the ball :angry: ). Furthermore, rugby is and must be played on our FEET. Stop handling and feeling with the ball after the tackle, or on the ground (RELEASE!). Some little-big tips for coaches and whoever wants to understand and apply: When we play a well-ranked team, we must assume they will have the ball for 50% of the time (this is DEFENSE for us). The other 50% is comprised of 25% hard work and an almighty wrestle to OBTAIN the ball. And the other 25% is UTIKLISING possession (investing the oxford scholars in the stock market). By the way, the Forward pack/Scrums/Lineouts/Kickoffs are the ATM operated by the financial planners (9 and 10). Of course your stockbrokers are the outside backs. When these picturesque fellas invest well the whole team is millionaire!!! - But when they drop or give up possession the richer team is our adversary! OK so far? How do we win in Crown Casino? (well apart from the junketeer)? To me, one of the best strategies is PCR... (PLAY_COLLECT_RUN). To score tries, the first and the last movement must be DEEP/FORWARD. Now, How long do we have to fiddle with possession chucking it out and wide??? - The running rugby is a myth created by Randwick people and sensationalist media. I played several times vs Randwick with Warrinagh RC between 1984 and 1992, when our pack put 'the acid' on the Galloping Greens, and went backwards, their No 10 and 12 kick the shit out of the leather up in the air 60 metres high, and then Nos 13, 11, 14, 15 charged like buggery, hoping for our defence mistakes! - Very rarely they passed the ball to the wing from scrum and lineouts. NOW, I give you that Randwick most of the time (not always though) played with a winning quasi arrogant attitude, and... why not? - But the running rugby so well promoted can only be played when your pack is edging forward in the whole field. E.g. When the ABs are pushed back, they lose shape, patterns, composure and become ill-disciplined (lose the plot more often). Nonetheless, this happens with the top 12 teams, once every 11 tests. Onto today, WALLABIES MUST CONTINUE WINNING WHETHER 'RUNNING' OR 'CRAWLING', PASSING OR KICKING (No cleanouts pleeeeeese). I personally don't give a stuff, how the hell they do it! - This will transform an average SHOW into a bloody Good Show, followed by a much better BUSINESS/ENTERPRISE. But,... for Christ's sake, score more points than the opposition to start with. :silly: Between 1984 and 1999, we won 84 Grand slam, 86 Bledisloe Cup and 91 & 99 RWC! Our 15 Golden Years (A bumper crop). What the hell did we do with all that MONEY and HUMAN CAPITAL??? - Our Aristocratic Administrators spent big but never revenued bigger!!!! Fellows, privately educated, meticulously networked, and wonderfully groomed... :shocked: LET'S GET FAIR DINKUM ONCE AND FOR ALL! PUT ALL THE MONEY, TIME AND EFFECT ON 'THE HOUSE' (GRASSROOTS). Namaste | Sayonara. Enrique TOPO Rodriguez Ex-Wallaby Captain (1987) Founder and Convener, ISSF - International Sports Sciences Forum, an initiative of The ERC Group.
Kick n Clap
Guest
Rob9, Fifita is from a Rugby family. Which tinted - coloured sun glasses he wore decided which code he chose? Was he League player was he an Union player who cares? The kid has chosen to go the the Titans, which in my opinion is really smart move? Good new coach. Great makes of a super competitive club which will do wonders for NRL on the Gold Coast. Plus playing with cousin and other friends up there. Markets and potential decide fates. In Australia Union has a smaller catchment area, but in the UK Rugby Union and its clubs and Nations plunder RL ideas, coaches , techniques players every year. So I just get over it ? I now shrug my shoulders when the Rugby Union brigade out out moaning. RU has done a lot more damage & disruption to the game of Rugby League in the World than vice versa. If you want a refresh, I can gladly respond? We’ll keep coming up with new ideas and initiatives you guys keep copying and rebranding the our ideas?
Kick n Clap
Guest
Richie, Obviously your’e talking about Craig Bellamy? Best Rugby coach by a country mile here in OZ.
onside
Guest
A rugby immutable is union is the players game and league is the spectators game. As TV ratings dictate perception, union constantly tweak rules to make the game more pleasing to the eye. Hence the illusion of ‘running rugby’ at the expense of winning an intense complicated contest. Non union viewers are more likely attracted to a more cavalier sevens style friendly encounter where the result doesn’t matter, but that is not what rugby union is about. Unfortunately we live in a world where in all codes , ratings determine rules. Fast food sport , instant gratification.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
Just agreeing you lost.
Jim
Guest
Anybody remember when a loss was claimed as a "moral victory" because the Wallabies ran the ball and the other team didn't. It was shouted even louder should the Wallabies lose on penalties. "Running the ball is the Australian way" was the standard answer and we will never change. The other phrase I loved was "it's in our DNA". What a load of absolute self serving &*)^%locks by the usual suspects.
MickDonovan
Roar Rookie
They don't even post crowds at games anymore, they are a long way off filling stadiums. The frustrating thing is that no one seems to care.
What is your point? Because we scored the most tries the Lions undeservedly won?
Phantom
Roar Rookie
As you say. You lost.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Summed up by Handre Pollard after the semi final against Wales which became an aerial ping pong game.. He admits it must have been boring to watch but called it personally the most interesting game of rugby he ever played in.. Rugby chess he described it as.
Trebla
Guest
There is too much sport around to consider winning as the reason to watch. The exhilaration of running rugby is what attracts me to the game, not the feeling of winning. I follow club, super and test rugby and if a team is playing a ten man game and winning through rolling mauls and pushover tries I will stop watching and watch teams that run the ball. The recent 6 nations was a dull affair that even the British supporters complained about. When we remember our great teams we think of sublime running play by the Ellas, Campese, Larkham etc. However, when we play NZ or the Lions I would settle for a boring win.
Armchair Halfback
Roar Rookie
Great story, thanks WAE, glad that this weird and wonderful game has grown on you. The running game narrative (and Cheika played for Randwick) originates with the Waratahs team that toured the UK in 1927/28, with greats Cyril Towers (Randwick legend) and Johnnie Wallace. The narrative was revived with the great Randwick teams of the 1980's and the mesmeric running play of the Ella brothers, which saw Australian rugby rebranded in like fashion. Ironically former Wallabies coach (and ex Randwick prop) Ewen McKenzie famously endorsed the benefits of "winning ugly" so perhaps your wish may come true!
Micko
Roar Rookie
Fair point, but as a neutral I love watching Japan & Fiji. Win, lose or draw they are entertaining to watch.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Micko, Boks played conservative forward dominated rugby during The World Cup but yet scored more tries than any other team.. Play an expansive game no problem but only when it’s on.. Do the dog work first.. Running the ball just for the sake of it means you going to have to get used to losing.
Micko
Roar Rookie
It's not really popular in WA, but I think it's found enough support here now to fill a niche, so it's probably miles ahead of the other AFL states.
West Aussie Exile
Roar Rookie
Mick, that shows the disconnect between the Wallabies, super rugby and what comes beneath -so many discussions on this site over the past year. Personally, I don't think rugby can compete against NRL and AFL `clubs` in the same way - all the more reason for the Wallabies to stimulate interest that does lead to full crowds at super rugby at least, to begin with. C'mon Wallabies!