Rennie blazing over NZ snub

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 the 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 September 25 and October 2 have been cancelled along with their women side’s two matches with Australia.

The Black Ferns were set to face Australia in Christchurch on September 26 and at Eden Park on October 2.

“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 were confident we were close to finding a solution.”