KEY POINTS:
The past few weeks have been just like listening to the New Zealand Rugby Union head honcho in the 70s with his brusque "no comment" responses to media inquiries.
Sullivan could not be cajoled, in public, to discuss, among a series of weighty issues, sporting contact with South Africa, which included a cancelled tour in 1973 and the 1976 visit which helped to cause the Montreal Olympic Games boycott.
I was reminded of Sullivan's deadbat responses as recycled Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill strode back into the Sanzar and world rugby spotlight. On his return, the chat increased and the NZRU seemed to recoil even further.
O'Neill is preaching to a different market. Rugby battles for media and commercial momentum in Australia against league, AFL, soccer and other codes, and O'Neill understands the need to keep his sport in the limelight. He is forthright in his opinions, open to debate and suggestions.
The contrast with the NZRU is substantial. They seem timid and afraid to interact with their constituents, constrained by the leg-irons our Aussie neighbours used to wear.
Consider these recent issues. The South Africans bringing a third-rate squad downunder, informed criticism of the IRB, the experimental law variations, mini-transtasman tours and plans for the All Blacks to play in Hong Kong and other games in Europe at the end of next year.
What do we hear. Opinion from O'Neill, vocal fends from Chris Moller and the NZRU. They were under seige about the second-string Springbok problem when 22 All Blacks were withdrawn from the Super 14 but were defensive on the other topics.
It took until yesterday for Moller to even acknowledge the chance of a Hong Kong game as he spoke about speculation the All Blacks could play midweek matches next year in Australia to fill a void if France could not tour with a full-strength side.
Moller got on his medium-sized horse to tarnish the conjecture. It was said with the tone of someone who has sat in too many IRB meetings, a condescending, dismissive attitude as if the NZRU was at the centre of the rugby universe.
It may hold most of the Sanzar aces because of South Africa's problems and the dwindling clout of Australia. But O'Neill's re-emergence should redress that quickly. His return is refreshing for several reasons, including the media's interest in being able to discuss rugby with officialdom.
News organisations are supposed to be the conduit to deliver information to the public. However since the 2003 World Cup shambles when the NZRU lost the sub-hosting rights and had several meltdowns, they have become far more secretive. Jack Sullivan would be proud.
