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“For Wales? Why Richard, it profit a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world… but for Wales!”
This wonderful line comes from Robert Bolt’s play, ‘A Man for All Seasons’, making reference to a character who sold their soul for monetary gain. Why is this relevant? Last night my wife suggested that we stay up and watch the rugby game played between Wales and South Africa. Why not indeed, so we did.
Why was the game being played at Twickenham, the home of English rugby, was at first a mystery; then it became obvious in the post-match jamboree – it is, as it nearly always is nowadays, all about money.
Edwill van der Merwe, take a bow ????
— Stan Sport Rugby (@StanSportRugby) June 22, 2024
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South Africa won comfortably. The game had its moments but was littered with mistakes. I was mightily impressed by the young South African fullback. When watching, I had two thoughts.
Firstly, how many current Australian players would be selected in the South African team?
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Secondly, and most interestingly, my mind strayed back to the first rugby Test match I watched, sixty years ago, in 1964.
We were newly arrived in Durban, South Africa, from Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia) and my father took me to the Test match. For a young boy, it was an exciting experience. I had never been in such a crowd and I knew very little about the game. South Africa won then 24-3, scoring three tries to none. This was the first overseas tour undertaken by Wales who first played South Africa at St Helen’s, Swansea in 1906. Wales did not have a happy tour in 1964 but it spurred the Welsh Rugby Union into action.
Jesse Kriel breaks clear to score their first try. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
They appointed the first ever national coach and embarked on a triumphant journey that culminated in four consecutive Triple Crowns and two Grand Slams between 1976 and 1979. Many believe that Carwyn James, coach of Llanelli and the British Lions in 1971, was the greatest coach of all time. Barry John, that wonderful fly-half wrote of him: “Every time we passed the ball down the line in practice, he would follow behind us, harassing us, shouting: ‘Think! Think! Think!'” South Africa Rugby on the other hand, gradually slid into deserved isolation.
Over thirty-eight years ago we moved to Australia and became fervent supporters of the Wallabies. It has afforded us many happy times and great memories. Why then, am I wrestling with the decision whether to go to the upcoming Test match against Wales being played in Melbourne at AAMI Park? My recent sadness at the ending of the Melbourne Rebels and my disillusionment with all things associated with Rugby Australia are at the heart of my indecision.
And again this week we continue to see a parade of spitefulness come out in the press. Who cares what Eddie Jones thinks? Why afford him air? Our commentators continue to be enfeebled by their parochial rhetoric. Rugby Australia also seem mired in a reactionary mindset – listless, thoughtless and poor. I feel for the new coach who seems to have a good head about him. He says very little, a little like Robbie Deans, but what he says makes sense. Again, like Deans. He was, and is, no doubt aware of the task ahead.
I want to make a statement of protest against the current management of rugby in Australia. Not attending the games presents itself as my only option. I am disappointed in myself for this thinking and doing. Must I ‘think, think, think’ again?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.