Australia coach Dave Rennie says he is “bloody angry” about New Zealand cancelling the teams’ Bledisloe Cup match without telling the Wallabies.
New Zealand will not travel to Perth for their August 28 fixture because of Covid-19 restrictions.
New Zealand has announced a snap lockdown after the country’s first positive Covid case in six months. “I’m bloody angry. Our boys all found out through social media,” said Rennie.
“I thought ‘New Zealand Rugby didn’t even have the respect to consult Rugby Australia about their decision’, so that’s hugely disappointing.
“I feel like there’s only one of us doing what’s in the best interest of the game. “Last year, we went to New Zealand to ensure the games were played for the benefit of both countries.
“We quarantined in Wellington for two weeks. The expectation was we made a commitment to go there this year, they’d come here and they haven’t honoured. It tells you more about them than us I reckon.”
The Wallabies played two matches - a 16-16 draw and a 27-7 defeat - in New Zealand in October.
New Zealand have also announced that their planned fixtures against world champions South Africa on 25 September and 2 October have also been cancelled along with their women’s side two matches with Australia.
The Black Ferns were set to face Australia in Christchurch on 26 September and at Eden Park on 2 October. “It’s incredibly disappointing to be informed of this decision via the media, despite having a conversation with the CEO moments before and there being no mention that this was the intention,” said Rugby Australia chief Andy Marinos.
“We have been engaging in positive discussions with both teams as well as Government partners and were confident we were close to finding a solution.” (BBC Sport)