We finally got to see Game 3 of the Bledisloe Cup, albeit months after the competition started. The Wallabies held on to a much-needed draw against the All Blacks in front of a packed stadium of 50,000 screaming fans in Brisbane, Australia – but that’s where the good news ends!
Rugby has become a very disjointed game on the field and off it. It seems as though rugby administrators piece together playing schedules like a child pieces together a jigsaw puzzle. Players and fans deserve better than this. Rugby fans had to sit through this lackluster game, in stinking hot conditions, while both teams failed to score a try. The players’ skills seemed no better than those of a high school second 15’s team, and now both teams head off to the northern hemisphere for a wishy-washy tour no one really wants to play.
From the perspective of the International Rugby Board and the respective national boards, there is no problem. They will argue that as long as the turnstiles are ticking over and television ratings are high, they are doing their jobs. However, Super 15 crowd numbers are down due to fan frustration. Rugby is a strong international brand, but this bad management is doing it damage and it needs to be dealt with right away.
Firstly, fix the rules so the game flows more consistently. Fans want to see tries, not kicks at goal! Secondly, promote the rugby test match as the pinnacle of the sport. Test matches should not be divided between important and not-so-important test matches. Every time a player pulls on their national jumper he should be the very best option available. Regardless of the opposition, he should sing that national anthem with pride and play like there’s no tomorrow. If a team is worn out from a busy schedule, then reduce their commitments. The most important thing is to present the fans with an exciting product.