John Connolly

Whether John O'Neill likes it or not, Australia and New Zealand rugby are joined at the hip. So it makes little sense for the countries to be at war over Queensland's signing of All Black Daniel Braid under the controversial new policy on foreign players.

When the two-import rule was introduced, it was thought the Australian provincial sides would look to Europe rather than the southern hemisphere for recruits. Few envisaged we'd be looking at a New Zealand international.

O'Neill has reportedly encouraged the provinces to look to Pacific Islands players yet to represent their country, in the hope they will become eligible to play for the Wallabies. Of course, New Zealand has done this for years, but that Australia is now doing it has rankled our trans-Tasman rivals.

New Zealand supremo Steve Tew said the move could impact on negotiations to expand the Super 14, and the comment highlights how relations between the two countries have soured.

While the New Zealand union has stated Braid's move makes him ineligible for All Blacks selection, I believe it's only a matter of time before we move towards an open market.

In the Braid case, Queensland's motives are clear. They are looking to add some experience to a squad missing veteran David Croft. While Braid is a fine acquisition, Australian clubs could argue the money would be better spent on junior development, particularly as Braid is not eligible to play for the Wallabies.

Trans-Tasman relations have been rocky since the 2003 World Cup, which was supposed to be co-hosted by the two nations. New Zealand can blame itself for losing its host status, although the Kiwis are still dirty that Australia never came back to the table after the New Zealand signage dispute was resolved.

With New Zealand to host the 2011 World Cup, it won't be sharing the spoils with Australia. Like the Lions tour to New Zealand three years ago, there will be an opportunity for tourist operators on our east coast to benefit from the lack of accommodation to cater for the event.

Australia is pushing for a Bledisloe game at Twickenham - a move blocked by Tew - while New Zealand wants one in the US.

In recent years, New Zealand has been hit by a player exodus to Europe. That exodus is not likely to get any better following the downturn in the New Zealand dollar.

The Kiwis argue Australia should not be looking for overseas players at a time it wants to add another Super 14 side. They also point to the fact that, in the 2007 World Cup year, Australian Super 14 teams finished on the bottom half of the ladder.

While it's fair to say our provincial sides will continue to improve as they gain experience, the bottom line for both countries is we need to understand that the game is becoming an open market for the players.

Whether we like it or not, Australia's and New Zealand's rugby futures are intertwined. Upsetting one another provides no benefit.

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