WALLABIES winger Lachie Turner has credited departing NSW assistant coach Les Kiss for helping him attain his first Test cap. Kiss gave Turner a video which provided him with important on-field tips. "The biggest lesson I learnt this year was not to expect too much of myself," Turner said. "I got into a bit of a rut at the Waratahs, where every time I touched the ball I tried to make the break. You just can't do that. I also worked hard with Les, who gave me a little video - which showed me what to do." Was this video of Kiss in his North Sydney Bears league glory days? Turner laughed before replying: "Les always tries to get his highlights reel out there. It's a pretty short tape ... to be honest. It's only about one or two plays."
Rudd misses Wallabies' votes
Kevin Rudd is not exactly flavour of the month in Australian rugby circles after the Federal Government withdrew funding for the Ballymore Rugby Academy. But everyone was amiable when the Prime Minister appeared in the Wallabies dressing room after the first Test win. But it wasn't a vote winner. Several players remarked after he left that while he might be a good bloke, they would keep voting Liberal.
Bulls, Broncos thrill Berrick
The best piece of Australian rugby trivia this week was the revelation that Berrick Barnes's father, Tom, was a rodeo rider. One of Berrick's first heroes was renowned bull rider Lane Frost. Barnes also reveals in tomorrow night's Test program his first autograph involved "going to a Broncos training session and Peter Ryan saying he would give me $2 if I could catch a bomb. I caught the bomb and remember pestering him and following him to the car asking for the money. I can't remember if he gave it to me but I remember that more than who I got my first autograph from."
It's a circus up north
And we get these clowns from the Queensland Rugby Union saying the Sydney media "just don't get it". Maybe the QRU should spend more time promoting the sport in Brisbane, because locals obviously have no idea who they are. So far three Brisbane taxi drivers haven't had a clue where Ballymore is. One even took us to the Valley Mall, believing that was the ground. You're right QRU, like you, we just don't get it.
Big Ben strikes at lunchtime
The new Wallabies reserve prop Ben Alexander has revealed a few home truths in the Australian Rugby Union's website newsletter. He must be good on the tooth because he explains he is the "second-fastest eater in the ACT". The favourite grub of the man known as "Kernel Cluck" is fajitas, tuna and sandwiches.
Loane lends a thought
Former Wallabies skipper Mark Loane is one of the game's most interesting thinkers. Some of his theories are in tomorrow night's Test program. Here's one ... "The game has evolved like Julius Caesar's 10th legion," Loane said. "They had a wonderful win-loss record - undefeated in 50 scraps or so - because they were very tight on the flanks and forced opponents into the middle where all the good fighters were. It was the 'horns of the bull' theory. We had good success in Australian rugby when we started running big forwards at angles to cope with that ... the Willie Ofahengaue strategy. But defenders learnt to counter that too. Rugby defences don't fatigue as they did in my day because teams have 22 players and can bring on reinforcements when they need to. Players don't tire and leave holes any more. That is not to say the game is better or worse. Just different."
A top cop and coach to boot
They came from everywhere a few days ago to attend the funeral in Inverell of one of NSW Country's rugby greats, Alan "Terro" Terrasson. Those involved in his celebrated 1988 Inverell under-19 premiership team returned from all over Australia to farewell their mentor. As one of his players, Djuro Sen, explained: "Terro did a lot in his police career, including the Chelmsford Inquiry, but he always regarded the achievement with our team as one of his great accomplishments, especially how many kicked on to be successful in life."
Rumours of the week
An interesting legal battle is looming involving a well-known Australian rugby identity. It involves alleged bonuses and breaches of contract because of dodgy third-party deals.
A new contract requires the Waratahs to play a game at ANZ Stadium next year. We hear some NSW officials wished it was just an option rather than being set in stone.
Did a Wallabies official, when asked if they were interested in following the Manly league team in using calves' blood injections to cure injuries, say: "As we now have so many Kiwis involved, we'd probably use lamb's blood."
