Winner of Herald’s Wallabies jersey poll to have ‘major bearing’ on selection: RA
The iconic 1991 Wallabies World Cup jersey has topped the votes in a Herald poll ahead of Thursday evening’s event where the game’s greats and senior figures will vote on a permanent colour for the strip, with Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan saying the results will have a “major bearing” on what is selected.
A who’s who of Australian rugby will gather in Sydney and Brisbane tonight to select the colour template for the famous national jersey from this year and beyond.
Nick Farr-Jones in action for the Wallabies in the 1991 World Cup final. Credit:Getty Images
Following the Herald’s story published on Tuesday afternoon, 13,389 readers voted on what coloured jersey they believed should be used.
Of the eight jerseys that will be voted on, three in particular dominated in the Herald’s poll.
In front with more than 4000 votes (30 per cent) was the classic jersey worn by Nick Farr’Jones’ side who beat England 12-6 in the 1991 World Cup final at Twickenham.
It appears the older the better, with the top three – 1991, 1984 and 1999 – recording 77 per cent of total votes.
The Adidas three-stripe jersey, a personal favourite of Wallabies great Simon Poidevin, recorded 25 per cent of votes, narrowly ahead of the 1999 shirt (22 per cent) that has become synonymous with Australian rugby’s golden era.
In fourth place was the Wallabies’ kit of 2020, followed by what the team wore in 2010 and 2007.
The “Volcano Vomit” jersey of 1997 only managed four per cent of votes, while 2015′s offering came in last (two per cent).
McLennan said those in attendance on Thursday night will be informed of the Herald’s “fascinating” poll results and made it clear that RA wants to listen to fans as well.
“The rugby fans who voted will no doubt have a major bearing and influence on how we go forward and I think it’s extremely illustrative,” McLennan said. “We’re listening to the public because Australians own the Wallabies.”
Former Wallabies greats David Campese, Gary Ella, Nick Farr-Jones, Phil Kearns and Phil Waugh, among others, have been invited, while former coaches Michael Cheika and Bob Dwyer will be present along with new RA chief executive Andy Marinos, who begins next week.
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Tom Decent is a journalist with The Sydney Morning Herald