Former Wallabies lock Justin Harrison has done something members of the current squad can only dream of – taken a drink from the Bledisloe Cup.
Harrison met the All Blacks six times in his 34-test career, beating the men in black on four of those occasions.
“We certainly lost the dancing comp before the game but we won more stuff on the field,” Harrison said during his appearance on the Fox Rugby Podcast.
Harrison chimed in on the current state of rugby in Australia and also gave insight into an old tradition.
“Knowing exactly how many cans of beer go into filling up the Bledisloe Cup is unfortunately not something that many Wallabies probably know at the moment,” Harrison said.
“It’s about 25 — just over a case.”
The Wallabies have gone 16 years without holding the Bledisloe, a record drought that began after the snapping of a five-year Wallaby reign.
Harrison experienced that success as part of the side from 2001 to 2004, and is now hoping to experience success off the field after succeeding Stephen Hoiles as general manager of the Classic Wallabies.
“That ‘ex’ word is too traumatic I feel — once you’re a Wallaby you’re always a Wallaby, whether you’re lacing or not,” Harrison said.
“The main objective is to keep them connected and that golden thread running through us all alive.
“And it’s not ring fenced to Wallabies or national reps — there’s a lot of other people connected that make this the great sport it is.
“So it’s facilitating a group of people that can engage the community, the alumni.
“You’re risking your life, pretty much, to play, and dedicating the formative part of your life to sport, to entertaining others.
“We’re not a welfare or a charity — we’re a group of men and women who have a real requirement to stay connected.
“The Classic Wallabies will play a very important role in galvanising that strategic alignment around those areas and making sure everyone’s embraced from top to bottom.”
44-year-old Harrison also spoke about his famous series-clinching lineout steal against the Lions that he made while on debut in 2001.
“Here’s a fact that not many people will believe, given what they’ve seen me do most often, but I didn’t drink for 48 hours after that Test — not a drop,” Harrison said.
“Because I was told by everyone how quickly it goes and you’ve got to remember every minute.
“I was terrified of getting on the beers because I didn’t want to have that forgetful part where you lose time, if you have too many beers and that hangover.
“So I just wanted to be awake and aware for as long as possible.
“I certainly made up for it in the 49th hour but up until then, that’s probably one of the most vivid memories of my life, those two days after the Test.”
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Comments on RugbyPass
$950k for a Prop that isn’t fit enough to play 10 mins of rugby? Surely there is someone better to replace Big Mike with
2 Go to commentsFour Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
2 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to comments