Wallabies happy to play anywhere

[Burgs]

I think O'Neill is totally out of line here.
I don't seem to recall much whinging from our guests in 2003 when we shipped to all points of the worlds biggest island, including some very much non-Union locations?
And if wasn't for the much publicised politics re signage, part of '03 would have been in New Zealand as well, get off your high horse JO'N

Wallabies happy to play anywhere

12/09/2007 11:27:13 AM
Adam Lucius
Sportal

The Wallaby camp is unconcerned about having to take on Wales in Cardiff despite the protestations of ARU boss John O'Neill that the World Cup should not be shifted out of France.

French organisers brokered a deal allowing Wales, Scotland and Ireland to host games in exchange for their support when the ballot was taken to decide the World Cup host five years ago.

Ireland passed up the opportunity, preferring a cash settlement, while Wales and Scotland both opted to host the only matches to be held outside France.

O'Neill, who was not at the ARU at the time the deal was struck, is angry Australia is being forced to play Wales at Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

But Wallaby reserve Stephen Hoiles told Sydney radio station 2KY on Wednesday: "There's all these little deals nations do with each other these days to get bums on seats."

"I think it's probably a good thing. It will get 90,000 Welshmen into the gates so there will be a bit more interest."

"It's a pretty awesome stadium and with 85-90,000 people it will be spectacular on Saturday."

"We've just got to stop getting distracted by the saga of the World Cup."

Australia's recent record in Cardiff - a loss and a draw - doesn't make comforting reading ahead of the group-defining fixture.

But Hoiles is confident the winless run can end if the Wallabies fire-up right from kick-off.

"Like (against) all northern hemisphere teams, it will be pretty important how we start the game," he said.

"They love to feed off opposition mistakes. If we are pretty disciplined and just break their hearts early that will be a good start to the game for us."

"As soon as we came of the field against Japan the first thing that was mentioned was Wales and everyone is pretty focused this week."

[gustafsl]

Personally I don't think they should be able to have deals with other nations to get them to vote a certain way.

It should be taken into account that Wales and Scotland have now hosted a World Cup and that means that it should be another 4 World Cups before they get to host games again.

[JediKnight]

Actually Scotland Wales haven't hosted a RWC....Wales did in 1999 as part of a joint European bid with the final at the new Millenium stadium (fantastic ground....enjoy it all you who are going).....but Scotland have never 'hosted' a RWC.

[gustafsl]

Actually Scotland Wales haven't hosted a RWC....Wales did in 1999 as part of a joint European bid with the final at the new Millenium stadium (fantastic ground....enjoy it all you who are going).....but Scotland have never 'hosted' a RWC.

What I mean is that by hosting a few games this year it should count against them when the host nation is decided on for future World Cups. If they are going to allow deals like the one between France and Wales/Scotland/Ireland then really the Northern Hemisphere teams could work out a deal where a World Cup is never played in the Southern Hemisphere, they could all vote for each other knowing that they'll get something out of it. If they want to allow joint bids, that is fine, but then the countries that went in together shouldn't get games until it is their turn again. So if they are going to rotate the World Cup around then the next few should be:

2011 New Zealand
2015 South Africa
2019 England (no games allowed in Wales, Scotland, Ireland)
2023 Australia
2027 Either Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France.

[Burgs]

By 2015 there may well be no South African Rugby!
If either Japan or the Americas' don't get the 2015 RWC there is some serious deals being done to the detriment of the sport.
They are the two huge growth areas available to Union to make massive inroads.
With four Pools you could quite easily see a 2x USA, 1x Canada, 1x Argentina, Finals USA format "Americas' World Cup".
Japan fully deserves the next one though and it is a shame they haven't got it for 2011.

[hopep]

O'Niel has nothing to gripe about.
The France'07 schedule was set up years back. The ARU & Wallabies management knew all this and have prepared for it. This sounds like someone who isn't getting enough lime-light as the focus is on RWC, International teams and Players. Administrators should shut up till the next hosting bid.

Nothing to stop Japan doing a deal with PI's and NZ to co-host.Nor USA/Canada.
STFU Jon !!!

[Burgs]

Japan with a PI home match each would be pretty cool...
Great holiday!

[Big Boots]

Well done J O'Neill and J C for having a go at the organising mob......after all the R W C is in France

[Burgs]

Well, the RWC is actually where it has been planned to be since it was awarded six years ago...

[AndyS]

Ireland passed up the opportunity, preferring a cash settlement, while Wales and Scotland both opted to host the only matches to be held outside France.

Sorry, but am I the only one who reads that as Ireland sold their vote to France?