Ruck'n Maul
Cheika knows content Giteau's buttons to press
Greg Growden
July 17, 2015
Ruck'n Maul: Expect the unexpected

It's no surprise that Michael Cheika has called in the foreign legion the first time he has been able to use them, with Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell returning for the Springboks Test in Brisbane on Saturday. The Wallabies coach has been smart in showing immediate faith in Giteau by picking him at No.12 outside Will Genia and Quade Cooper. Mitchell is on the bench, and bound to be seen in the second half. Giteau was far from content when he headed overseas some years ago, as his relationship with then Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was fractious. Giteau is known to be delighted with the atmosphere in the Cheika training camp, and the current coach is bound to get the best out of a utility player who will be so important during a World Cup campaign. Meanwhile, national pride seems to come as a price as we have heard it may be costing Giteau and Mitchell a considerable sum to appear in the green and gold again due to their overseas contractual deals. But money ain't everything in a World Cup year.

Fears of 'favouritism'

The relationship between several Australian Super Rugby provinces and the Australian Rugby Union head office is again unsteady, due to reports that Melbourne Rebels and Western Force are getting preferential treatment. Ruck'n Maul has been told that several high-ranking officials from the Brumbies, Queensland and New South Wales are fuming about behind-the-scenes negotiations involving ARU powerbrokers to prop up both the Force and Rebels. The relationship between one leading Super Rugby chief executive officer and ARU boss Bill Pulver is known to be very shaky. Pulver has for some relied heavily on support from certain Force and Rebels officials to shore up his very wonky power base. Now, according to those at the stronger Australian provinces, the link with the Force and Rebels has become "over the top"; they are especially suspicious over some proposed deals and Pulver's allies are diminishing by the minute.

Journalists are 'our enemies'

Very unsettling that one of the pathetic dinosaurs with too much power out in Waratahland in Moore Park had this to say about the rugby media a few days ago. This goon told startled onlookers, including several rugby officials when he said: "Don't talk to the press. They're not our friends. They're our enemies." It's high time this dithering dill left the premises - as he is doing rugby a major disservice. As sad is the fact this official is being promoted by others to be their puppet.

Rugby Championship Preview: Australia v South Africa
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The importance of tribalism

The infamous Sydney Shute Shield derby between Manly and Warringah, held at Rat Park last Saturday, lured more than 5000 spectators to show that club rugby is alive and kicking and just requires better support from those in charge of the game. Adding colour to the occasion was the collection of wacky Warringah supporters described by Manly Daily sports editor Jonathan B Geddes as the Northern Beaches' version of "Jed, Jethro, Elly May and Granny", who were perched on the hill. The Warringah Hillbillies are club rugby's version of the Barmy Army, wearing green flannelette shirts and standing in front of signs that say "We done made a banner" and "We done climbed this hill". Our snouts tell us that most of the Hillbillies post-game jump into their custom-made utes and go back to their nearby waterfront mansions.

'Show' at Sydney ground

Fascinating scenes at one Sydney club ground last weekend, when a former ARU official, who was described by onlookers as being "well lubricated", was put to task about some poor decisions made when he was walking the corridors at Crows Nest. He didn't take too kindly to the criticism, and the situation became somewhat heated.

Wallabies legend proves his acting chops

Stay tuned to see which Wallabies legend has a very unusual role in an upcoming New Zealand airline advertisement. Ruck'n Maul has been sworn to secrecy, but we have seen snippets of the ad and the legendary winger can actually act a bit. He'll tell you that as well. Good luck to you, Campo!

Whispers of the Week

  • It appears after losing the Super Rugby semi-final to the Highlanders that some Waratahs who live near the seaside got somewhat loose with certain media identities, who should know far better. And this is not the first time.
  • It had to happen. One scribe accidentally thought Henry Speight was George Speight.
  • Serious friction between two senior officials over the playing merits of one of their sons. The relationship has become very nasty after critical comments were made. And another once high-profile official has astounded all by going public with a very interesting face-lift.
  • Is Sydney University trying to lure Todd Louden back from Melbourne Rebels?

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