John Connolly lays down the law
Wayward crew members will be keel-hauled
Australia coach John Connolly has laid down the law to his players ahead of the two-Test series with England by warning them to respect the Wallaby jersey or face the consequences.
Connolly, who took charge of the national team following the departure of Eddie Jones, has immediately gone about enforcing the importance of off-field behaviour after a number of recent high-profile incidents.
"We don't want a team of choirboys," Connolly told Australia's Daily Telegraph.
"But we do want a team that respects everyone, that accepts their roles as Wallabies and what that whole package means.
"Players that represent Australia have a huge responsibility and it's not a God-given right."
The tough stance of the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) was evident in their handling of the Wendell Sailor saga in South Africa.
The winger was sent home from the tour after an altercation with a member of the public on a night out while on duty for the Waratahs during their Super 14 campaign.
The Waratahs suspended him for one match and fined him AU$500 ($376), but the ARU imposed a further two-match ban and AU$3500 ($2,630) fine on top of the penalty.
"This is a zero-tolerant area. It is about our players accepting individual and collective responsibility for their actions," ARU managing director Gary Flowers said.
"It's all right to say 99 percent of the guys are good 99 percent of the time. But that 1 percent is now an issue and we can't afford it."
Connolly and the ARU's zero-tolerance policy was made very clear to the players as the Wallabies prepare for the opening Cook Cup Test on June 11 and try to focus their attention back to the field after a disastrous tour of Europe last year.
While the team is still not confirmed, Greg Holmes is the favourite to play at loosehead prop, while Mat Rogers is likely to fill in for Matt Giteau at inside centre – leaving Stirling Mortlock in his preferred position at number 13.
Rodney Blake also seems assured of making his debut in the tighthead role.
The team will be announced on Wednesday.
