The Rogues Rant #393
Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.
By Ron Wood
The performance of the Wallabies in their win over Wales had some good signs but there is still plenty of work to be done. There was clearly a more committed effort from the players with a significantly better attitude shown right across the field. Coach Joe Schmidt has certainly started well with a win but more importantly he has achieved a very strong reaction from the players. A very integral part of his coaching staff is Laurie Fisher. There is not a more respected man in Australian Rugby than Laurie Fisher and his combination with Schmidt and the players will have a huge influence on the team’s performance going forward. We still seem to have a problem around the No. 10 jumper however, a problem that will need to be resolved quickly.
The decision to cancel the Australian Under 20’s final pool match against Ireland in Cape Town has cost the side the chance to advance to the Tournament Semi Finals. A win against the Irish would have seen the Aussie’s finish on top of their pool but a cancellation means they only get two points from the match. Ireland will now advance to the Semi Finals and the Aussies will probably have to play off in the 5 V 8 Play Off match. The most disturbing thing about the decision not to play the match against Ireland is that matches set down for the same ground later in the day went ahead, which only leaves everyone smelling a rat. What a disappointment for the players and everyone involved in getting this side to this point.
There appears to be a very concerning situation developing between the IDRU Board and the Executive of the IDRU Referees Association. After several incidents of Referee Abuse over the last few years, Executive Members of the Referees Association have been very critical of the way the matters have been handled by the IDRU Board. The incident at Kiama earlier this year which resulted in a Referee being stood down for a lengthy period really has brought the strained relationship to boiling point. Several Respect Rugby Reports have been raised between the groups. Despite a meeting between the two bodies with NSW Country Rugby officials mediating the situation continues to cause strain. Let’s hope that personal differences can be left aside here as we don’t need any further problems for the game in our Zone at this time.
I can see clearly now, the rain has gone, so hopefully we will get all three games on this weekend. A big day is planned for Vikings Oval for their big Back to Vikings Day, with the matches against arch rivals Shamrocks. I’m told that Vikings are planning to be able to field a Third-Grade side for the weekend which will please many die hard Bluey’s, as the club’s resurgence continues to move forward. In the top grade both clubs have had a lean year as far as wins are concerned with the hosts winless so far and the Rocks with just one win, that being against Vikings earlier in the year. The Rocks were pretty luckless last week going down narrowly to Camden, while Vikings have been on the wrong end of some big scorelines recently. I have to go for the Rocks here despite the big day at Vikings. Shamrocks to Win. Bowral have Tech Waratahs at Eridge Park. The clubs are sitting equal fifth on the Ladder and would dearly love the points here to keep their faint hopes of a spot in the Finals alive. Bowral has the better form on the board and should get the points here. Bowral to Win. Match of the Round is at Camden who hosts Campbelltown in the local derby. Campbelltown got the points earlier in the year in a high scoring game 48 – 31. Camden have copped a few injuries to key players and are not at their strongest going into this match. I think Campbelltown can make it two from two for this year. Campbelltown to Win.
Rugby Diary
Saturday July 20 IDRU Round 14
Shoalhaven V Bowral
Campbelltown V Vikings
Shamrocks V Tech Waratahs
2nd Grade
Shoalhaven V Bowral
Campbelltown V Vikings
Shamrocks V Tech Waratahs
Kiama V University