WALLABIES SET TO WIGGLE IT
THERE is simply no excuse for Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell if he cannot handle the occasional hot potato on the wing during the World Cup.
Not after the publication of a photo of him dressing up as one of the Wiggles who made the Hot Potato song famous.
As the Wallabies prepare for the World Cup in England, a new book called Living With The Wallabies has given a behind-the-scenes look at life with the Australian rugby union side.
The Wiggles photo is one of more than 400 printed in the work released last week and available online at livingwiththewallabies.com. au
Among the most emotional were prop Ben Darwin crying as he presented the jerseys to the Australian team for the 2003 World Cup final against England in Sydney.
Darwin had been forced into retirement by a neck injury sustained in the semifinal and wept openly as he spoke to the players before the ANZ Stadium final.
With the assistance of team members and support staff the book was compiled by former Wallabies media unit producer Anthony George and published by International Quarterback, where George now works.
George was behind the camera for 185 Tests between 2001-14 and became so much a part of the team he was once asked to hand out the Test jerseys before a game.
“The book shows the human side of the Wallabies,’’ George said.
“It was a privilege to be involved and the book captures many special moments.’’
George Gregan eyeing off a crocodile in a game park, Anthony Faingaa doing his twin Saia’s hair before a match, former coach Robbie Deans playing bowls and another coach, stone-faced Ewen McKenzie, cracking a smile, are pictures which take the reader away from the sterile, repetitive world they are used to.
There is also a photo of John Eales’ late grandmother – known as Nonna to her grandchildren – dressed up in Eales’ full Wallabies kit in a photo the former skipper orchestrated after returning from Test duty.
He still cherishes it.