Rugby Union

Sorry to those who aren’t interested, but I gotta vent my spleen.

I have a hierarchy when it comes to Union: ACT Brumbies against anyone; Australia vs the southern hemisphere; Australia, New Zealand and South Africa versus the northern hemisphere.

Usually, this works fine, but the bullshit going on within Australian Rugby is appalling. Last night, we were lucky to steal a win against the Welsh 29-23 with a converted try after the siren. Dropped balls, poor passing, lack of co-ordination and sluggish play weren’t the only faux pas.

No Gregan or Smith until halfway into the second half, no Tiquiri, Paul, Hewatt, Larkham, Latham or Rathbone at all; Giteau playing in an unfamiliar role and the backs all from the Waratahs who finished stone motherless last. The game sucked like a lemon.

And all because of the childish stupidity of the coach John Connelly and the selectors. This September is the World Cup and it’s going to be ugly for the Wallabies; they’ll be lucky to reach the quarters.

Against that, the South African versus England match. The Springboks were marvellous in the 58-10 slaughter: passes that shouldn’t have been caught stuck in the hands, Montgomery’s boot on target, Habana and Willemese bolting through the line and the rucking, brilliant. England had no answer and were lucky to score ten.

I tell you, with the tri-nations coming up next month, the Wallabies will be lucky to win a game. The Springboks and All Blacks are playing to well and any mistake by the Wallabies will be punished. And I’m going to hate watching that.

Maybe the ARU will stop with the petty power games and do something; but I doubt it and we shall be covered with embarrassment instead.