Once again rugby union was absent on a major sporting day in Australia and New Zealand.
Anzac Day was not only void of any rugby matches, it fell on a bye round where half the Aussie teams had the week off.
It’s enough to send the Rugby Australia marketing pigeon into a frenzy.
Given the Trans-Tasman relationship that binds Super Rugby Pacific, it is awfully ironic that nothing was done to commemorate arguably each nation’s proudest day.
This sparked a social media onslaught from former players to disappointed fans; many calling for an ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup that would enshrine the famous rivalry on a day is associated with both parties.
This could well be the State of Origin-esque game RA have been in search of. A day that, in time, rugby could own.
But would it work?
For one it falls directly in the Super Rugby season, making it an awkward time for sides to break up into national squads.
But there has been some noise from the SMH that indicated RA were looking into playing Super Rugby from May to September, with Rugby Championship internationals falling earlier in the year. This was reportedly largely driven by World Rugby’s push for a global rugby calendar.
This would put the Anzac Day Bledisloe at the conclusion of this season. This means it could double-up as a Rugby Championship decider. Blockbuster written all over it.
Nic White of the Wallabies scuffles with Akira Ioane of the All Blacks (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
If some sort of deal for the above couldn’t be reached, it might just be the deal breaker.
Second order of business is what happens to the other Test? That Test might be simply for Rugby Championship purposes or maybe be ridden of all together if World Rugby persist with a more unified global calendar.
And surely NZ wouldn’t give Australia rights to the only Bledisloe Cup match? It would simply be alternated between countries, with timezones hardly causing an issue.
If these logistical problems can be resolved, an Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup showdown would be entirely possible and could provide Rugby the exposure it so desperately craves.
The game oozes cultural tradition while also building on one of rugby’s traditional rivalries. It would be the highlight of the local rugby calendar; an unmissable watch.
And, who knows, maybe one day rugby will have its own Anzac showcase.
woodart
Roar Rookie
agree with you 97 brumbie. the spruikers turn anzac day into yet another shonky excuse to ca$h in.
woodart
Roar Rookie
no, nz and aus should put a combined team together and play british army generals.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Bledisloe, not so sure, but there was a team of Kiwi's that straight after WW2 toured Britain & won ALl of their games. Anyone remember Charlie Saxon's Kiwi team?
Matt
Roar Rookie
i think the opposite, you must find a timeslot that doesn't clash with AFL and NRL, otherwise Media aint going to pay if you go up against the other
Matt
Roar Rookie
No they will just sell to a PE who will rip the soul out.
Matt
Roar Rookie
In NZ or maybe Brisbane. Syd and Melb have events for the day. Your not going to get any government support in Aus. Only chance would be QLD gov and why would they pay for something that really cant be held anywhere else in Aus. Rugby need to be careful that if they do put a game on its not going to be second rate event as they have done with their Magic round and Indigenous round.
Paul
Roar Rookie
I've never been to Essendon v Collingwood but I do know the game is conducted with the blessing of the RSL and makes a massive difference to the fundraising of the sub-branches. This from RSL Victoria https://rslvic.com.au/news/collaboration-at-the-mcg
Wig
Roar Rookie
yes my Irish grandfather in nelson died when I was very young, I know it was often said back then and now he was one of many that hardly uttered a word from comming back til his early death, his wife my Scottish grandmother lived til 102 years.
Wig
Roar Rookie
yes it was on my TV for 3 quarters of the day from early
Wig
Roar Rookie
d day
Wig
Roar Rookie
Hehehe i was still thinking about your reply post on how it could be done. I just loved the Turkish genarals speech on Anzac day you know the famous one directly to the Anzac mothers who lost sons. Extremely powerful soften the hardest man.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
arguably each nation’s proudest day. I would have thought for NZ, Waitangi Day would be that day. That's just me.
Nat
Roar Guru
Ok, so let's say we followed your idealistic idea and no game was played or at least recognised along side the ANZAC name. Done, no money was made by anyone in any sporting code. Where I live it rained on Tuesday so there were marquees set up along with big screens and speakers so the whole crowd could hear and see the service. The local RSL had a sign up on those marquees so they obviously paid for them and either them or local council paid for the speakers, camera person, AV and speakers. Does the AV company take $1 for their thousands of dollars of equipment? Should the employees who got up at 2am on a public holiday to set up and pull down the equipment not be paid? Where does your moral high ground to making money on ANZAC day start and stop?
1997 Brumbies
Roar Rookie
What
Nat
Roar Guru
So you would happily withhold $millions to Invictus Australia supporting war veterans and the enjoyment to many millions more including veterans because it's not put on for free? You've jumped off the moral high ground to socialism.
1997 Brumbies
Roar Rookie
I have no doubt in 1927 that it was being organised for the right reasons. With the amount of money involved now that reason seems (from my opinion) to be a bit blurred
Nat
Roar Guru
Again, these games have been around since 1927. You think at that time it was done to sell tickets? With all due respect this attempt at the moral high ground is disrespectful, lacks research nd quite selfish. The game/s have a long history in this country built in absolute respect.
1997 Brumbies
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the condescending assumption Kristy but I'm not from Canberra.
1997 Brumbies
Roar Rookie
I never have or will speak on behalf of service people who I haven't spoken to directly about this issue Kristy.
kirsty smith
Roar Rookie
Maybe don't speak for service people then 1997 Brumbies. I went down to Sydney with my whole unit and enjoyed the free tickets to the game, it was great. The people in the crowd were very respectful and it was a good time and a nice way to finish what can be a tricky day for many of us.