How Australian rugby can recover from ‘bloody disaster’

As Rugby Australia announces the panel to undertake the post World Cup review, a former Wallabies coach senses a change of fortune ahead for the embattled code.

Nick Frost of Australia looks dejected at full-time. Picture: Getty Images

The former Wallaby coach who tipped Eddie Jones’ appointment to be a “bloody disaster’’ sees better times ahead but has warned of challenges for star recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

As Rugby Australia announced the three-member panel to undertake the post World Cup review — headed by former Wallabies Andrew Slack and Justin Harrison and industry expert Darlene Harrison — John Connolly spoke about the path ahead for the code.

Connolly may be wheelchair bound after a home accident two years ago but his rugby radar remains finely tuned as proved several months ago when he forecast a dim period for the game under now departed coach Jones.

Connolly, who took over the Australian team from Jones in 2007, said in a July interview the players he inherited were like “beaten down sheep dogs” as he asked “wow did we end up with Eddie again? He is full of it. He talks a great game but plays a terrible one.’’

And so it proved.

Connolly has decided not to publicly comment in depth on the Jones debacle but, despite the deep wounds to the game after an horrendous World Cup, believes the resilience of the code will shine through.

“I honestly believe if they make the right moves it can be a short trip back,’’ said Connolly, who added that the right moves meant picking the right coach and support staff and identifying the right players.

Former Wallabies coach John Connolly has spoken about the path ahead for rugby union in Australia.

Connolly has mixed feelings over the code’s recruitment of Roosters rugby league star Suaalii who has switched codes on a staggering deal of more than $5 million for three years.

“It’s an interesting one because if he plays wing it can actually be more challenging than people realise.

“You don’t get as much space out there that you think. Some backs make it others don’t. Will Chambers (from the Storm) was a good rugby league player and he struggled as did (Suliasi) Vunivalu and even Roger Tuivasa-Sheck when he played rugby in New Zealand.

“Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers adapted when they switched to rugby well but it’s not straightforward.’’

“If you are rolling in money then great, have a look at him but with rugby’s finances the way they are if you have a million dollars to spare I would not have minded spending $200,000 each on your best five schoolboy talents.

“But he is young and he has the time to improve and adapt. We’ll see.’’

John Connolly tipped Eddie Jones’ appointment to be a “bloody disaster’’. Picture: AFP

Rugby Australia announced the next stage of the World Cup fallout on Thursday by revealing a three-member panel to undertake a thorough review which included former Wallabies Andrew Slack and Justin Harrison and industry expert Darlene Harrison.

Slack played 39 Tests for Australia and was captain of the 1984 grand slam winning Wallabies, while Justin Harrison (34-Tests) is the CEO of the Rugby Union Players Association and Darlene Harrison is a 20-year industry expert including more than a decade with the AIS most recently as head of performance coaching and leadership.

The panel will also liaise with a Pasifika advisor.

“As rugby fans, we were all disappointed in the results at the World Cup – the performance was not good enough for a proud Rugby nation like ours,” said Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh.

John Connolly believes Australian rugby can bounce back following the World Cup disaster. Picture: Getty Images

“We had a new coach, new staff and a lot of new players – many of whom have only just started their careers, and who will be the future stars of Australian Rugby.

“The Wallabies have a proud history as one of Australia’s most loved sporting teams, and it is our responsibility as custodians to continually seek to improve performance and deliver a world-class program.

“Andrew, Justin and Darlene are highly respected, and I believe they possess the credentials to be able to deliver a thorough and considered external review.”

Originally published as How Australian rugby can recover from ‘bloody disaster’