Wallabies coach Davie Rennie said his players were angry at three teammates, including star winger Marika Koroibete, who have been stood out of Saturday’s Bledisloe Test against New Zealand over a drinking session that broke team rules.
Koroibete and teammates Pone Fa’amausili and Isi Naisarani broke team protocols on Saturday when they carried on drinking in a hotel room for more than two hours after a team curfew.
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Speaking to media on Wednesday afternoon Rennie said the sanctions of a one test ban was decided on the weekend with players told on Monday.
“It’s not so much that they were intoxicated – it was that they kept drinking well beyond the time that was listed,” Rennie said.
“We’d stated the importance in our preparation for the All Blacks that we all needed to be at our very best to try and force the All Blacks to be below their best.
“This obviously didn’t fit with our mindset so we’re incredibly disappointed. A big chunk of our group is pretty angry.”
(Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
He said it was revealed on Wednesday so as not to overshadow Thursday’s team announcement for the first Test, as
Koroibete was a certain starter.
RA released a statement on Wednesday afternoon that said: “The group had dinner and drinks at the team hotel last Saturday night after a full training week, prior to a training free day. Three players breached team protocols by continuing to drink alcohol well beyond an agreed time.
“As such, Marika Koroibete, Pone Fa’amausili and Isi Naisarani will not be considered for selection for this weekend’s match.
“There was no illegal behaviour, no damage and no complaints made. No further investigation will take place, or any further action.”
Koroibete was red carded in the opening minutes of Australia’s third Test win over France but was cleared of suspension.
Rennie said players had notified team management. He ddeclined to discuss details of the Wallabies curfew times, but added: “It was certainly more than two hours over the time we discussed as a group. The boys went back to the room and carried on, and that’s why we’ve made the decision.
“We have a big squad here – 42 players. Thirty-nine understood the importance of getting together, connecting and having a quiet beer and three guys lacked the discipline required beyond that.”
he said the three players had apologised to theheir teammates. “They know they let the boys down. They’ve got to earn the trust and respect again and that’s down to what they do not what they say.”
Rennie said the incident was frustrating.
“We’ve wasted a lot of time dealing with the players,” he said. “The squad are resilient. We made the announcement to the group on Monday everyone was supportive and we’re focussing on what we need to do.
“It won’t have a detrimental effect, if anything it will galvanise us.
“We are building a culture of working hard for each other and being accountable for our actions.
“On this occasion, these three players haven’t lived up to that.
“Ultimately these three men have paid a big price for their decisions but that’s the standard we expect of each other.”
Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos added: “Rugby Australia supports the action taken by the team, and the internal standards they have set for each other.
“As an organisation, we expect the highest standards at all times. While we also acknowledge that this is a minor incident, I applaud Dave and the team for taking such an open and transparent approach.”
BleedClub
Guest
Bob is good with his rules until he finds he and his on the way off on a ship. He don't see it. Relic. Thankfully Australia has left Bobby far behind. You will one day view Bobby in a museum.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I used to use the Sally Pearson example. Anyone think she’s out drinking within even 3 months of the Olympics?
Shed
Roar Rookie
Not sure but I think it should be investigated in a game. He likes to operate in the tighter channels with Wilson a little more prominent out wide as compared to Isi. Wilson has the ability to play tight or around the midfield in attack, but he has a better ball playing ability in the wider channels than Isi, and therefore playing them together gives some great attacking options. Defensively I can't see any real concerns either, and with both of them being 195cm tall they provide great 3rd and 4th lineout options.
Mat P
Guest
Why do people find it so hard to not drink? Its something I'll never understand. From athletes being unable to follow a simple direction, to people who bang on about how hard Dry July is.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Pay cut issue
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Sounds like there will be detrimental effects alright, there's dobbers in the team. How is that good for team unity? Such a small indescricion with a rest day following.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Come on Piru, you really think he will answer that correctly? We know it’s a case of whataboutism to try and deflect or reduce the stupidity of these players for drinking past curfew. Jiffy probably can’t self reflect enough to see that though.
Guess
Roar Rookie
While I agree he may not has a pride for the jumper but why would he? He’s Fijian
Guess
Roar Rookie
Helped with French :silly:
Tree Son
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Tree Son
Roar Rookie
Left due to The pay cut issue and/or Darth Thorn, right?
Marlin
Roar Rookie
Thanks. I was thinking about it more today. maybe it did say it in the other article. Anyway pretty stupid move by those 3.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Was it a coaches rule though Iso Late? I thought he’d implied it was a rule defined by the players. Perhaps they just agreed. Either way, a rule they bought into via open agreement rather that something just imposed from above
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Johan I feel a 62 min video to the team will repair broken bridges.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
The "rugby crime of the century" was just last week KCOL. I can copy the video for you. set aside around 62 mins.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
yep they broke a coaches rule not any laws or got into any trouble. Just an internal coaches rule.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
A runner.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
So that would be 3 teenage nuts?
Don
Roar Rookie
I opted for Swinton simply because his last test effort was better than the previous 2 from Valentini and without Naisrani our options at 6 are limited. Swinton is also better in the lineout. Am I a Swinton advocate? No. I believe we’ve got to find better than him or at least get better from him. However, Valentini was given a shot against France and didn’t look test level at this stage. I’d love him to improve on that quickly though.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Don I have no problem with migrants coming to live in OZ for a variety of reasons. We ALL "came" from somewhere else originally. If that is the case, then gain citizenship or go back "home" or at the very least you are unable to represent this country and all it stands for.