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New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson has gone a step further with his claims that Australia knew what was coming when he dropped the no-travel bomb that stopped Bledisloe 3.
On Saturday, Robinson said NZR was “comfortable” with their approach in deciding not to let the All Blacks travel to Perth, after RA CEO Andy Marinos claimed Australia had been blindsided by not being informed of NZR’s decision before the Kiwis released a media statement.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie added that his players had to find out via social media but in a fresh interview Robinson has refuted Rennie’s view.
Robinson told NZ radio station Newstalk ZB that senior Wallabies were aware of NZR’s plans not to fly to Perth.
“We had calls right through from Wednesday, Thursday, we put something in writing on Thursday and then we spoke to them before anything was released,” Robinson said.
“Certainly I know that senior All Blacks and Wallabies were discussing the situation and our players were making them aware of the reality of our situation.
“I haven’t read all of his comments, but my understanding of some reference to no consultation, that’s simply not true.
“It’s a shame that couldn’t get back to Dave [Rennie] and some of the people he’s referring to.
“We understand that Rugby Australia are under severe financial pressure. This is an important game for them and we are committed to playing that match.
“The reality is, under those circumstances, that frustration manifests with what we saw yesterday; a lot of emotion, a lot of frustration, sometimes possibly not all the information, and that’s the result of that.”
Rennie had said the late decision had made him “bloody angry”.
“It’s disappointing how it’s been communicated. Our boys all found out through social media. I’m not sure shocked is the right word, because I’m not surprised,” Rennie said.
“I just feel there’s only one of us who are interested in doing what’s best for the game.”
Meanwhile senior South African rugby writer Mark Keohane has argued it might be time for the Springboks and Argentina to abandoned The Rugby Championship and join European teams in an expanded Six Nations.
“The New Zealand Rugby Union, in the way its leadership conducted itself during Super Rugby and now during the Rugby Championship, is self-serving, about the All Blacks only and has no meaningful investment in the SANZAAR alliance, outside of how it serves New Zealand,” Keohane wrote.
“If the All Blacks can’t make their games, then they should forfeit the points or they should withdraw from the tournament and allow Australia, South Africa and Argentina to get on with it.
“There has been an ongoing call for the Springboks to be added to an expanded Six Nations or replace the tournament’s whipping boys Italy. Half the Springboks test squad plays for clubs up north and the South African rugby alignment should be on a flight to London and not Sydney.
“If Italy’s place is non-negotiable, then add the Springboks and Argentina to an expanded Six Nations and make it the most sought after international annual tournament with these eight nations. Let New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the Pacific Islands have their international tournament.”
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.