The Australians are understandably miffed that they have bent the knee to their Sanzaar partners to allow them to undertake huge money-spinning tours of each other, effectively torpedoing the Rugby Championship once every four years. But where is the quid pro quo?
There could be the perception of a big brother-type attitude from NZ Rugby here that borders on bullying. They and South Africa steamrolled through their tours plan with little resistance, yet when NZR is asked by its closest ally, both geographically, historically and politically, to perhaps compromise, there has been steadfast inflexibility.