Rugby: Kiwi influence vital to Australian game

Super find Quade Cooper. Photo / Getty Images

It's maybe not surprising that, having been founded as a penal colony, Australia have been rather adept at pilfering from New Zealand rugby.

They have been expert at taking quality parts that have been instrumental in helping Australian rugby rebuild after a period of underperformance that began in 2004.

In their one public outing this year, the All Black coaches were full of praise for what they have seen across the Tasman. After a decade of producing non-scrummaging props, they suddenly have robust, technically proficient set-piece operators everywhere.

They have, arguably, the world's best halfback in Will Genia whose combination with Quade Cooper has been the highlight of Super 14.

Some of their loose forwards - Scott Higginbotham and Leroy Houston in particular - look perfect for the current law interpretations and the Wallabies will struggle to find a place for Matt Giteau, Berrick Barnes and Stirling Mortlock in their backline.

None of this guarantees the Wallabies will be successful, but there is little doubt Australian rugby is in a much better place in 2010 than it was in 2008.

The Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies are all play-off contenders and last weekend Australia enjoyed its highest accumulative attendance since Super Rugby began.

Hard work, patience and belief have all been big factors in the Australian renaissance. But the biggest factor has perhaps been the New Zealand influence.

There are Kiwis in every pocket of Australia whose contributions have been significant. At the top of the tree is Robbie Deans, setting the right tone at the Wallabies.

In a recent interview with New Zealand Rugby World, Adam Ashley Cooper said of Deans: "What helps is that [Deans] is a very positive coach. He's introduced a lot of competitive, skilled games at training. This appeals to the competitive mindset of players. We all have a competitive nature, and fancy ourselves as winners."

Deans has been instrumental in building the confidence and belief of several Australian players, but particularly Genia and Quade Cooper, whom he turned to on last year's Wallaby tour of Europe.

Cooper looks a different player this season, so much so that it now must irk the New Zealand Rugby Union they were unable to lure him home a few years ago.

Born in Tokoroa and of Maori descent, Cooper moved to Brisbane in 2004. When he made the Australian Schools and under-19 sides, the NZRU pounced, but by then it was too late. They had lost their man.

While Deans has done his bit to help the Reds, Ewen McKenzie has been the main architect of their revival, helped by Daniel Braid, his trusted on-field lieutenant.

Queensland didn't have a No 7 of any note, which is why they signed Braid as their marquee player in 2008 and the former All Black has been critical this season, helping them build their continuity and flow.

His leadership, experience and ability to be in the right place at the right time has been the glue that has held the Reds together.

In Perth, former All Black coach John Mitchell has managed to drive some end-of-season form out of the Force. His influence on the likes of James O'Connor, David Pocock and Richard Brown - men who have big Wallaby futures - has been acknowledged.

The Rebels have recruited wisely - picking up Greg Somerville, a man chased hard by the NZRU, and Hoani MacDonald, a seasoned forward formerly of the Highlanders.

There will be more Kiwis arriving in Melbourne in due course.

Of a total 18 Super Rugby places in Australia open to overseas players, five have been filled by New Zealanders.

The Kiwi influence would have been even greater had Mark Hammett been allowed to take up a coaching role with the Rebels. The NZRU put their foot down, though, denying Hammett permission to quit his contract early.

The rise and rise of Australia has prompted many to ask whether the time has come for New Zealand to look for reciprocal benefits in the relationship with Australia.

While they have employed Kiwi coaches and players with significant success, New Zealand has been largely reluctant to see what they can loot from Australia. Former Brumbies coach David Nucifora came to the Blues in 2005 and Reds reject Phil Mooney will coach Otago this year.

A few Australians have appeared in the provincial championship over the years - Julian Huxley (Northland) and Brock James (Taranaki) most recently - but those stints benefited the individuals more than the wider New Zealand game.

With the economic gap growing wider between Australia and New Zealand, migration across the ditch is only going to increase. There are currently 18 New Zealand-born players in Australian teams - many of whom are Wallabies.

Cooper is the back-up No 10 the All Blacks crave; Dean Mumm could be a handy lock to cover the current injury crises; Houston would be a direct replacement for Rodney So'oialo and Digby Ioane is a super footballer who could cover 12 through to 15.

Australia have done rather well out of New Zealand and their interest will not abate anytime soon. New Zealand must surely be asking why they don't fight back - be more aggressive at reclaiming migrant assets.

A partnership that benefits only one side is not a partnership.