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
Blackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
9 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
9 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
2 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
2 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
9 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
9 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
9 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
9 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
9 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
9 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to comments