Anyone who has played rugby for a club big enough to have two teams in the same competition or division knows how high the stakes ramp up when the so-called ‘B’ team comes up against the ‘A’ team.
Perhaps the most famous example of all came in 1973, when the All Blacks, on a rare internal tour, came up against the Junior All Blacks in Dunedin. 14-10 was the upset result, cementing the coaching legendry of Eric Watson, and putting an end to such fixtures, where the All Blacks might potentially be embarrassed and humiliated by their own.
Rugby Australia currently has control of two Super Rugby franchises, the Waratahs and Rebels. On any objective measure, it is clear which is the favoured son and which is the unloved, unwanted outcast.
Indeed, the foyer of Rugby Australia’s Moore Park headquarters now feels as much a homage to the Waratahs as it does Australian rugby.
One franchise has their financial dirty linen plastered all over the media; the extent to which the other has been and continues to be propped up, remains defiantly undisclosed.
Max Jorgensen (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
One franchise last week was provided with a senior Rugby Australia official to conduct a review to help identify areas for improvement; players in the other franchise, unsecured creditors by way of unpaid superannuation entitlements, were informed they could have those entitlements paid in return for transferring their voting rights to Rugby Australia, with respect to a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) soon to be put forward by the Rebels’ directors, to administrator, PwC Australia.
Destabilise. Divide and conquer. Turn players against their club, and themselves. All of this, two days before the two franchises were to play each other.
Following the Rebels’ 27-21 win – Rugby Australia’s ‘B’ franchise beating the ‘A’ team – coach Kevin Foote, asked about his side’s high error count, said that it had been an emotional week. Whether that’s sufficient reason for his players to drop so much ball, what can’t be denied is that every week which passes without certainty for the players and high-performance staff, means increasing levels of emotion and difficulty.
A resolution of sorts is looming, but not fast enough for player managers and clubs from Australia and around the world looking to finalise their rosters for next season. Something is going to have to give, and soon.
Two Fridays ago, Rugby Australia advised that they were not prepared to engage or participate in any form of DOCA with the current Rebels directors. This was incorrectly interpreted as those directors being agents responsible for potentially taking Rugby Australia and the game down with them, should they proceed to taking legal action.
What was missed is that the final DOCA, likely to be submitted in the next fortnight, will almost certainly offer a financial and rugby solution – for the Rebels, for the development of rugby in Victoria, for creditors, for Rugby Australia – that far outweighs the alternative of placing the Rebels into liquidation.
Filipo Daugunu (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
If the administrator is supportive, if the required number of creditors are supportive, then it will be Rugby Australia, not the Rebels’ directors, who will be in the hot seat, needing to make a decision on how to proceed.
If they choose to maintain their current position, it will be they who will need to justify why they are inviting legal action, and all of the cost and uncomfortable disclosure that will accompany it.
In the meantime, life goes on for the Rebels’ coaching group, trying to temper that excess emotion, whilst tapping into the type of character exhibited by their forward pack as they ground their way to victory in the second half; halfback Ryan Louwrens, who took it upon himself to spark something different; and flyhalf Carter Gordon, whose run and chase on Dylan Peitsch proved pivotal.
For the Waratahs, focus is trained in once again on coach Darren Coleman, with far too little consideration given to all of the other contributing elements that feed into franchise success or failure.
(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
It was obvious a week ago that coming off extra-time in penal conditions in Lautoka, and a short, six-day turnaround, that this was going to be a tough match for the Waratahs to win. Throw in the late withdrawl of Angus Bell, Charlie Gamble and Ned Hanigan and perhaps the only real surprise was that the Rebels didn’t win by more.
Despite an eye-watering 33 penalties, early arrivals saw an entertaining curtain-raising Super W match won by the Waratahs 38-17 against a rapidly-improving Rebels.
After just three matches, the women are already into the second half of their season. The development is there for all to see – get a look at the outstanding first-half try to Waratahs winger Desiree Miller – but a model which provides only for five matches is all wrong.
It’s a problem that needs both money and clever minds to solve. It also needs better choices to be made. Imagine what even half of the wasted ‘unauthorised’ and ‘authorised’ World Cup overspend would do for the advancement of women’s rugby in Australia.
Plenty of character was on display in Christchurch, as the Crusaders clawed their way off the canvas to record their first win of the season, 37-26 against the Chiefs.
After being touted as the next big thing at hooker, it’s been a tough couple of years for George Bell, suffering a serious leg injury in 2023 and struggling this year to hit the target at lineout time.
Not only did he finally find this throwing range, his 40-metre angled run, skinning a flyhalf on the outside in the process, was one of the tries of the weekend.
The Chiefs were sloppy at the breakdown and twice guilty of kicking good turnover ball away; something this column has long been critical of Australian teams for doing. It seems ridiculously obvious to say that they are a 15-point better team with Damian McKenzie on board, but sometimes the obvious truth can’t be ignored.
The Force became the latest team to discover how tough it is to play in Lautoka, ground and overhead conditions barely suitable for professional rugby. Both sides delivered a match of far higher quality than what might reasonably have been expected in the slop, albeit the Drua always having an edge, on their way to a 31-13 win.
Halfback Frank Lomani produced his customary quick tap and run, creating a spectacular try for the flying Selestino Ravutaumada, who also pulled off an astonishing play in the first half, aquaplaning head first through the water to cleanly collect a kick ahead and pop it back to his support.
Also impressive was young flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, making good decisions about when to kick and when to free up his outsides, and throwing in some high quality goalkicking for good measure.
The Blues had a day out in Auckland; Super Rugby, as only Super Rugby can, throwing up the anomaly which provided for them to play an “away” match against Moana Pasifika, at their home, Eden Park.
Their 47-8 win was a reflection of a strong overall team performance, with both wingers standing out; Caleb Clarke looking strong, fast and fully fit, and Mark Telea showing customary slipperiness for his three tries.
Fast and slippery were the Hurricanes, too classy for the Highlanders in Dunedin, winning 47-12. The Canes are a pleasure to watch this season, fully committed to playing a fast, exciting brand of 15-man rugby; and why wouldn’t you, given the ball-playing riches that extend from Xavier Numia at prop, through loose forward Brayden Iose, to Ruben Love at fullback? All fast, all outrageously talented, all given licence to back themselves.
Referee Damon Murphy has at times struggled to endear himself to the rugby public throughout his career, but his stocks fell further in Wellington, and across New Zealand, following a serious knee injury suffered by star halfback Cam Roigard.
(Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Finding himself awkwardly positioned following a messy, overthrown line-out, Murphy inadvertently blocked the path of Roigard, bumping him into contact he wasn’t looking for, or properly set for.
Yes, TJ Perenara is still firing, and a strong match from Folau Fakatava means that things might not be all bleak for the All Blacks, but the potential loss of Roigard for the Super Rugby and international season feels like a hefty blow.
Match of the round always shaped as the Reds at home to the Brumbies, and it didn’t disappoint, the visitors scraping home by 20-19. There was nothing fancy about the Brumbies’ approach; attack the Reds at the breakdown and upset their attacking rhythm.
That fed into a defence-dominated game which the Brumbies – just – were better equipped for. The closeness of the match also elevated the importance of goal-kicking; Noah Lolesio delivering where Tom Lynagh and Lawson Creighton weren’t able to.
With Wallabies selection in mind, the match threw up some tasty match-ups; Tom Wright versus Jock Campbell, Ryan Lonergan versus Tate McDermott and the two loose forward trios all critical head-to-head contests.
(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Wright emerged a clear victor at the back, running strongly all night, with Campbell missing an opportunity to step forward to take Wright’s space away from him, thus providing Wright with enough opportunity to score his first try.
The loose forward battle was compelling; Rob Valetini prominent and Liam Wright effective for the Reds. But because the Brumbies succeeded in (mostly) keeping Fraser McReight quiet, that was a win for them too.
More clearcut was the outcome at halfback, Ryan Lonergan composed and accurate all night, albeit his heart would have been in his mouth on the final play of the match, as he stumbled under extreme pressure, looking to clear the ball to cement the win.
Kudos to Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham for keeping his main man on the pitch for the entire match, resisting the easy option to provide a cap for Harrison Goddard off the bench. Tough perhaps, but in tight situations like this, good coaches always find a way to have their best, most experienced players on the field.
For the Reds, it was a case of so near yet do far. For a brief, thrilling period in the second half they broke the match open and looked like running away with it. But it was a cheap penalty against Liam Wright for laying over the ball at a breakdown which provided the Brumbies with field position and allowed them to ramp up the intensity to overcome a nine-point deficit, and win.
After the tense fumbling of Friday night, this was a timely reminder that Australian rugby is not as far off the mark as many would believe. Great fun and good signs.
Fox
Roar Guru
Looks like you are the last of the originals writing regularly Geoff…My own view of Super rugby so far is that it is clear it is pretty much the same as always….the final this year will again be two kiwi sides IMO with – as usual – the Brumbies being the best of the Australian sides. The Rebels are travelling but if Cairns was the final, the car will break down at Rockhampton. Due to the stupidity of the 8 team finals format – the Crusaders will make the top 8 and then who will seriously want to play them in a semi? The Blues under Cotter are a different beast and Hoskins and Akira look much better players under his watch as he has stopped Akira constantly ranging out wide so his physicality and off-load game is more beneficial in the tight. And Reiko is now a very good defensive and creative centre. Perafeta is challenging DMac as well as the AB 10. Hurricanes are humming as well. The most telling game will be the Brumbies ( who are playing well but….) v Blues in Auckland – then Hurricanes also away for the Brumbies. IMO Auckland pack will monster them the way they are playing at the moment ( Bell looks out for a while as well) and the Blues arguably have the strongest bench in the comp when all are fully fit. But sadly it is starting to become pretty predictable even if some don’t like hearing it. The pacific sides are languishing as well with Fiji Drua resorting to Viking raider tactics in their last game but should – I say should – make the top 8 – by a whisker. My god Geoff half the side could have been yellow carded in that last game and that could hurt them going forward if it continues from individual players. One positive is the Wallabies have the best coaching team they have had in a very very long time IMO with some promising young players coming through as well. Time will tell how that plays out come the the international season but lets hope is very positive. Roigard is an astonishing talent and just gets better and better – pity about his injury.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Mountain Ash around here, not Wolleebee Pines!
Micko
Roar Rookie
And culturally irrelevant due to the dominance of the VFA & VFL Cec.
Toa Joe
Roar Rookie
I'm sorry Geoff, not paying tax is a big deal. It's dire down there. They need to sort themselves out and stop lying to Rugby fans.
Wig1
Roar Rookie
I think it's been all the worms clambering all over themselves for so long they've eaten out the house from inside out,similar to white wood ants and a really toxic fungus, they become so deep rooted over a long period of time you can never get rid of it. We all know it ... the people are starting to admit it. RANSW :unhappy:
Muglair
Roar Rookie
This a major problem in Australia’s insolvency system Geoff. The ATO is usually the first to become aware of insolvency problems. A default on the quarterly BAS is a sure sign of insolvency, GST and employee tax withheld have the element of funds held in trust, but have already been lost. Two quarterly defaults and it is game over. Yet the ATO collections department lets businesses trade for years, collecting a fraction of the amounts owed, while the rest of the ATO gives employees and business customers credits against amounts not paid by the Rebels. The ATO (and banks) will go to considerable lengths to avoid the bad publicity of forcing a business into insolvency, but do far greater damage to employees and creditors by letting a loss making business trade on. In this case the ATO’s preferred course is to not be seen to be pushing the Rebels into liquidation, while continuing to collect as much as they can. Note that the DPNs on directors might stay in force, not sure if they legally lapse, but in any event it may be a negotiated term of the DOCA. I am sure the ATO want this to disappear too, they are a big loser under the liquidation scenario. Rugby is the loser under a DOCA as past failures continue to be an unnecessary drain on the game. A DOCA that does not include capitalisation of director loans, and at least 80% compromise of the ATO debt would be a disgrace. I am no fan of RA, as you well know Geoff, but I can understand that RA would be reluctant to hand back the franchise to the same directors. I suppose they still hold that card too, no DOCA will be feasible without the franchise. Turnaround requires new capital and new management and I am not seeing either, so there is also a good chance that Rebels will fail again. Voting by numbers is becoming critical so it makes sense for RA to acquire employee votes. Terminated employees are financially exposed as they cannot access FEG until a liquidator is appointed. Given the size of the ATO debt they can clearly dictate a vote by value, however there will be other implications of them taking a public stance to force an uncommercial DOCA through. In the event a casting vote by the VA is required it will be interesting to see their decision, and reasoning. The “blowing up” by RA was merely the refusal to provide further funding to the Rebels, which they would then have been bound to provide similar funding to the other entities. That would certainly lift the Brumbies and Waratahs out of their current messes. I suspect that being forced to make those payments unwinds their classification in the 2022 financial statements (I suspect the payments became “prepayments”). Ironically the best outcome for rugby in Australia would be the total and transparent exposure of the Rebels’ claims, and both the Rebels and RA going into liquidation.
Lr6050
Roar Rookie
You should probably revisit Tupou’s post match interview where he has zero idea about the trophy before throwing shade
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Correct about the importance of the ATO in all of this, Muglair. Don't forget that they had agreed to a payment plan put forward by the Rebels before RA blew all of this up. Whilst the ATO has toughened up with respect to calling in tax liabilities in general, don't be surprised to find them supportive of the DOCA.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
I’d say Wilson played better out in the backs, far better than he did doing the hard yards in the tight, as young Cale was doing. Even Wilson’s standing off, when required in the tight was noticeable. Nah, mate, Cale played like a No.8 not an opportunist.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
The continued neglect of women’s professional rugby by RA amazes me. For every dollar of investment there has to be a great potential return with increased female participation as players and supporters. The two games at Allianz have been outstanding and I am looking forward to the last two games as well. The skill levels and execution have improved dramatically despite so little rugby. The women are clearly capable of physically playing more rugby now and the refusal to go to ten rounds is holding the game back, when it should be looking forward to a SRPW asap.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
I was confused about your comments on the DOCA Geoff. I was initially excited that there was now a financially viable solution. However, that could only be possible if the ATO takes a big haircut. As much as they are significantly responsible for this becoming such a giant black hole, I just can’t see how they can take such a public write off. That solution does not place RA in much of a hot seat either. The best solution has to be the liquidation of the company, and a relaunch of the Rebels franchise in 2024, with a clean sheet. I do not understand what the failure of the Melbourne Rebels company has to do with rugby development etc. Every dollar that has to be found to fund the DOCA comes out of the future rugby budget in Victoria (or RA). The only thing that makes sense is that the Rebel directors have decided to not prosecute the claims through court, but to first make the same claims through the media via the DOCA to pressure RA into funding tax liabilities. The rumoured claim sounded pretty weak and I wonder if there would be any interest at the ATO in funding a legal claim on RA. If there are real legs in the claim, a liquidator will pursue it. The only difference is that would not get the Rebels directors off their personal hook with the ATO. That still looks to me like the only reason the company was not put into liquidation at the second meeting.
Rocky's Rules
Roar Rookie
@Charlie As a Brumbies fan I wouldn't :laughing:
Rocky's Rules
Roar Rookie
@Geoff Ok who is it besides for Kellaway, Gordon, LSL, Gibbon and Tupou. Who else would you offer contracts to at seasons end if you were talent scout for another SRP team ?
Muglair
Roar Rookie
Just having a team in Penrith is not the answer either. The Western Sydney footprint is much larger than the Shute Shield’s and inclusion of Penrith and Parramatta in the Shute Shield competition is not a “Western Sydney Strategy”. A whole district along the lines of the SRU needs to be established with a pathway to a NRC side. I don’t get too hung up on NSW and SRU, they do not have the resources for this, or really the necessary expertise. The Force and Rebels have current experience and success building the game, recruitment and development in areas dominated by other football codes. I would be funding them to develop it and have pathways into the Force and Rebels. There are a lot of disappointed boys out there who are dropped from scholarships in the other codes and have had their dreams of being a professional athlete dashed. Girls hearts and minds are yet to be won.
jeznez
Roar Guru
You mean the Irish model, I said I’m not a fan of? I think it’s madness to be reducing investment in the growth regions.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks GP. Looks like the teams are starting to settle in. Until they end up in Fiji, there are totally unsettled!
RahRah
Roar Rookie
No, it was for Jeznez around the support of NSW.
Dusty10
Roar Rookie
I played league for Jindabyne and later Cooma. The showground isn't too bad these days, but wasn't it horrendous back then?? That stinking, sucking black mud that would never dry out, it'd just freeze and thaw, freeze and thaw...
Cec
Roar Rookie
RR was this question to me? If so what is “that”?
Cec
Roar Rookie
Cmon LP the Tahs already handed in their keys & quit before the Rebs. You know that. Tahs even turnover less than the Brums on last published financial statements. Anyway I was just asking Micko a question on which founding union he refers to is all.