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I think O'Neill is totally out of line here.
I don't seem to recall much whinging from our guests in 2003 when we shipped to all points of the worlds biggest island, including some very much non-Union locations?
And if wasn't for the much publicised politics re signage, part of '03 would have been in New Zealand as well, get off your high horse JO'N
Wallabies happy to play anywhere
12/09/2007 11:27:13 AM
Adam Lucius
Sportal
The Wallaby camp is unconcerned about having to take on Wales in Cardiff despite the protestations of ARU boss John O'Neill that the World Cup should not be shifted out of France.
French organisers brokered a deal allowing Wales, Scotland and Ireland to host games in exchange for their support when the ballot was taken to decide the World Cup host five years ago.
Ireland passed up the opportunity, preferring a cash settlement, while Wales and Scotland both opted to host the only matches to be held outside France.
O'Neill, who was not at the ARU at the time the deal was struck, is angry Australia is being forced to play Wales at Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
But Wallaby reserve Stephen Hoiles told Sydney radio station 2KY on Wednesday: "There's all these little deals nations do with each other these days to get bums on seats."
"I think it's probably a good thing. It will get 90,000 Welshmen into the gates so there will be a bit more interest."
"It's a pretty awesome stadium and with 85-90,000 people it will be spectacular on Saturday."
"We've just got to stop getting distracted by the saga of the World Cup."
Australia's recent record in Cardiff - a loss and a draw - doesn't make comforting reading ahead of the group-defining fixture.
But Hoiles is confident the winless run can end if the Wallabies fire-up right from kick-off.
"Like (against) all northern hemisphere teams, it will be pretty important how we start the game," he said.
"They love to feed off opposition mistakes. If we are pretty disciplined and just break their hearts early that will be a good start to the game for us."
"As soon as we came of the field against Japan the first thing that was mentioned was Wales and everyone is pretty focused this week."