'Stupidest thing I've ever heard': Ex-Wallaby says Australia should 'thank' Kiwi brothers
Former Wallaby hooker Jeremy Paul has slammed the idea that Australian Rugby should break away from Super Rugby Pacific in order to form a domestic-only competition.
A report by Fox Sports in the lead-up to the Super Rugby Pacific final suggested that 'all bets were off' for Rugby Australia following the expiration of the current deal in 2023.
Chairman Hamish McLennan said that considerations were being made to maximise the commercial interests of the game in Australia.
Paul, who played 72 tests for the Wallabies and over 100 caps for the Brumbies, called the suggestion 'one of the stupidest' ideas that he has heard when talking to SENZ Radio.
“It’s probably, arguably, one of the stupidest things I've ever heard,” Paul said on SENZ Afternoons.
“The worst thing that we could ever do for our Australian (game) … not only from a competition point of view but also a development point of view … (would be to leave).”
Following the pandemic both countries had to run domestic only versions of Super Rugby which for was a boon for crowd numbers in Australia, particularly for the final of Super Rugby AU which drew a massive crowed in Brisbane in 2021.
Only the Brumbies managed to secure a home playoff quarter-final in the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific but missed out of the final in controversial circumstances with a one point loss to the Blues at Eden Park.
However, the Australian sides improved overall this season by winning way more games against the Kiwi sides than previous seasons, indicating that the gap is closing between the sides.
Paul highlighted the Waratahs win over the Crusaders at Leichhardt Oval as a meaningful fixture that showed how important is was to Australia to earn that result.
“When we beat New Zealand sides, the level of rugby is phenomenal, and you’ve got kids that were crying. Did you see that young (Tane) Edmed kid from NSW this year after the Waratahs beat the Crusaders? He started crying," he said.
“We’ve gone now through a generation where kids haven't seen the Bledisloe Cup, or haven’t … like, to win in New Zealand, in terms of just the Super Rugby side, is the biggest thing.
“We need to be a consistent brand which is playing good footy and be thankful to our New Zealand brothers that are actually letting us play with them.
“It’s got to be like … we’re just happy to be here, and we should be.”
Paul's comments echo the sentiment of the Wallabies' Kiwi coach Dave Rennie who said it was good for both countries to be playing each other.
“I think it’s good for both countries that we play Trans-Tasman footy,” Rennie said.
“I think the competition has been excellent this year, and our sides have been more competitive. I think it’s good for them, it’s good for us. I’d like to see that continue.
“They’ve got some of the best players In the world. You want to be playing the best players. That’s how we will get better and be challenged, so it’s important.”
Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
Go to comments