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Opinion
If you ask any reputable marriage counsellor, they will tell you the first thing that falls apart in a relationship is communication.
This can lead to mistrust, especially if one party is not fully accountable for their part in the breakdown. Both sides need to be on board to reconcile their differences and to restore communication.
You can see the breakdown in communication between Rugby Australia and the New Zealand Rugby Union. There is also mistrust between the two.
This is not new, as you can look back at the 2003 RWC when the two countries were set to be joint hosts, before Australia became sole host at the anger of New Zealand.
New Zealand were demanding too much, which upset World Rugby, but that is the past.
Fast forward to the current time and the relationship once again is walking on broken glass, as both understandably are looking to protect their own brand and the game played there.
But when egos are at play, are they really looking at the whole picture? Both countries have seen a decline in supporters, who are frustrated with where they see the game going.
I have heard many Australians in support of going it alone to build depth on all levels. I agree that there needs to be a strong and competitive domestic competition run in Australia.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
This helps to develop not only players but also referees, plus the supporters will have a genuine connection for the game.
Both New Zealand and Australia could focus on creating more games between each other in creating formats in the women’s game, and under 20s, 19s etc.
This would encourage development and growth on top of a domestic competition. There are many opportunities for both nations to make the game stronger.
Super Rugby has long been debated over about the pros and cons and whether it really is successful with NZ dominating year after year.
My argument is that the players are playing among the best opposition in the world, and this past season, the Brumbies and Waratahs beat New Zealand sides.
The governing bodies need to sit down for a face-to-face conversation about moving forward. Politics need to stop exisiting for the good of the game.
New Zealand needs to show more willingness to have open discussions in a constructive manner, so does Australia and I am sure that the supporters would want that knowing it will create stability and trust again.
Are one party more to blame than the other? Both need to take responsibility and ownership for their part, but this can easily be fixed with both parties seeing common ground and re-aligning together.
For the good of the game we need this to happen sooner rather than later. Let’s make this great game greater.
The ball is in your hands, so don’t waste it. Good luck to the Wallaroos and Black Ferns for their next games.
Fellow Roarers, it would be great to get your feedback.
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.