All Blacks great backs
While watching Agustin Pichot search for solutions on and off the grass in Argentina, Alex ‘‘Grizz’’ Wyllie realised he was dealing with a player who was wired to lead other men.
Now there’s a real chance Pichot’s ambition and vision may catapult him into one of rugby’s most powerful jobs, potentially opening up pathways for a global season and more opportunities for second-tier nations.
Should he secure enough votes to replace World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont when members send in their votes by email this weekend, Pichot could shake-up the so-called ‘‘old boys’ network’’ and give the sport the rev-up it so desperately needs.
If Pichot is elevated from his role as vice-chairman the reactions, depending on geography, are likely to be mixed; while a promotion will be welcomed by the southern hemisphere nations, the Six Nations unions may feel decidedly nervous.
The relationship between Wyllie, currently in lockdown on his 30 acre block of land in North Canterbury, and the man he calls ‘‘Gus’’ began when the former All Blacks coach and test loose forward relocated to Argentina to coach the national side between 1996 and 1999.
Wyllie, now 75, was quickly impressed by the test halfback’s tenacity, skill and vision.
‘‘He was a live wire, full of vigour. A leader – very much so,’’ Wyllie told Stuff.
‘‘"He wasn’t afraid to say things. Like now, he was quite positive. And in doing so he has gone against his mate in administration [Beaumont].
‘‘I do think he would be a breath of fresh air.’’
Like many supporters of rugby, Wyllie has been frustrated with aspects of the game.
NZ Rugby has been vocal in its support of a global season, but that idea was ditched because several powerful Six Nations countries consigned it to the trash last year.
It’s now hoped Pichot can find ways to tear down the barriers, and help broker solutions. Wyllie is among those who wants the sport to thrive, not flounder.
‘‘If you look at what’s happened to the game, the number of people – and I have spoken to one or two of them – who have been watching rugby going back a few years, they have said it is deteriorating with the way it is being played.
‘‘That goes for crowds watching it, it’s not as spectacular as it used to be. That’s the sort of thing Pichot would like to see change, I am sure.’’
Wyllie ranked Pichot as among the best halfbacks when he was in charge of the Pumas: ‘‘His attitude; he was also very quick, read the game well.’’
Pichot captained Argentina and played 71 tests between 1995 and 2008. He has previously praised Wyllie for his contribution to the sport in Argentina, and guiding the Pumas into the World Cup quarterfinals in 1999.
Wyllie was responsible for installing discipline and teaching the test players how to improve the technique team during his four years with the Pumas, Pichot, now 45, said.
‘‘He [Wyllie] has been the most important figure in the last five-six years in Argentina rugby,’’ Pichot said in 2001.
‘‘When he first came no-one could understand him. He gave us rugby in depth and that’s how we changed.’’
Although the game turned professional after the 1995 World Cup, Argentina was slow to embrace the play-for-cash ethos,
and didn’t field its first professional team until the Jaguares joined Super Rugby in 2016.
Despite such challenges Wyllie, who was invited to attend a retirement ceremony in Argentina in 2009 for Pichot, fondly remembers his time in South America.
‘‘From the money side of it, there was nothing and the union was scraping along all the time. The kit for the national side, compared to other teams, wasn’t great,’’ Wyllie said.
‘‘But they didn’t know any better. It was no different to when we were playing for nothing. You did it because you enjoyed it, loved the game and wanted to get on with it.’’
Wyllie has been disappointed that Super Rugby has lost its way, with lop-sided results and a confusing format.
‘‘You have got to end-up with the top teams playing your top teams if you want a competition.’’