A gruelling week for rugby ’s southern-hemisphere superpowers has tested the bonds between SANZAAR and its individual unions, with New Zealand at the centre of controversy.
It was New Zealand Rugby’s decision, after all, to delay on short notice their plans to travel to Australia and continue the Rugby Championship in its original form.
Less than one week later and organisers have agreed to a new schedule, with eight of the nine remaining fixtures to be played in Queensland.
The third and final Bledisloe Cup game between Australia and New Zealand—originally meant to be played in Perth on August 28—is expected to take place at Optus Stadium on September 3 or 4.
SANZAAR was among the first to voice its ‘disappointment’ with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) for withdrawing from certain fixtures without notice, citing concerns regarding Covid-19 and player welfare.
But Brendan Morris, chief executive of SANZAAR—the body overseeing the Rugby Championship—believes the fractures between NZR and his organisation are healing: "I think so.”
"We're in a really competitive environment. And when we make the statement about being disappointed, we were disappointed that the game was postponed.
”It's an interesting time that we're all living in, and fans were really excited about going to a game of rugby on the 28th. And that was our major disappointment.
"It's an interesting joint venture as everybody knows. It's a working progress at times and we go through ups and downs like any partnership. We want to work together, get the best tournament delivered that we can and let the rugby do the talking because that's why we're here."
The All Blacks are now due to fly out to Australia’s west coast on Thursday, giving the squad a little more than one week in Perth before they’re expected to face the Wallabies.
Ian Foster is likely to make the trip without three of his senior stars as they await the births of new children, while the head coach’s recent two-year contract extension has sparked debate in New Zealand.
At the time, NZR chief executive Mark Robinson defended the decision to cancel their Australia trip and withdraw from home games against South Africa later this summer.
Rugby Australia counterpart Andy Marinos also expressed his disappointment, while Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie said he was “bloody angry” at how the situation had been addressed.
After South Africa and Europe were touted as potential alternatives to host the remainder of the Rugby Championship, the tournament is now set to conclude with relatively minor changes.
Morris praised the All Blacks as “very accommodating” and said his group were “pretty confident” a date will soon be set in stone for the rearranged Test between Australia and New Zealand.
The SANZAAR CEO further explained Queensland was the superior option to host the remaining fixtures after that fixture, adding: "Based on all the factors at hand, we've ended up with the best solution.
“We're very grateful to the Queensland government who have given us exemptions to work on a biosecurity plan to protect not just the community but the players as well. And give them the best opportunity that they can to prepare for international rugby whilst keeping the Covid protocols first in mind.”
South Africa currently lead the Rugby Championship standings after winning twice in as many outings against Argentina, albeit having played one game more than Australia or New Zealand.
