“I am not a saviour,” Australian Rugby Union boss John O’Neill said, when he was re-appointed this year after a successful stint running Australian soccer.
Immediately, he showed his controversial style by cancelling the international search for a new national coach and giving the job to the New Zealander, Robbie Deans, who had failed to win the All Blacks job – they retained Graham Henry despite failing in the World Cup in France last year.
Last Saturday November 22 the Deans-led Wallabies defeated France 18–13; this follows victories over Italy and England. Over recent years, the northern tours have been the final straw that broke the back of the long-suffering Wallaby fans. This one, though, is starting to look like a Wallaby resurrection.
Bitter rivalry
Further, this O’Neill-instigated resurrection brings double happiness: Because Australia’s gain is New Zealand’s loss. And if the gain-and-loss is great, New Zealand Rugby Union heads will roll. One assumes this will bring joy to O’Neill, not only because of the rugby rivalry with New Zealand, but because he has clashed bitterly with New Zealand rugby officials in the past.
Meanwhile, the Henry-led All Blacks are touring the UK, having defeated Scotland, Ireland and Wales. This Saturday November 29 they meet England in their bid to achieve their third grand slam. England were beaten by Australia two weeks ago and thrashed by the South Africans on Saturday.
This Saturday November 29, the Wallabies play Wales, then the following week they play the invitation side, the Barbarians. They will beat Wales. The Barbarian game is unique and a win is not necessarily the most important thing. The Baa-Baas is an invitation side, including star players from around the world. A young unknown is often blooded.
Airy joys
The convention is for Baa-Baas matches to be a celebration of the airy joys of rugby, the running game. Though, in this pragmatic, professional era, convention is considered by some to be irrelevant. However, if Deans observes convention and loses brilliantly, that will still be a victory; if he wins brilliantly, that will be an anointing – probably by the demigod himself, O’Neill.
Despite that, the ARU operates like a feudal monarchy. Consorts are always plotting. Advisors conceal secret plans. And already there are whispers against O’Neill. On-field success should mitigate; but it didn’t the last time his highly successful leadership was terminated.
Friends Read Free