What's good for O'Neill isn't always good for NZ

New Zealand should fasten their seatbelts if they choose to fly along in the slipstream of Australian rugby boss John O'Neill. It could be a rocky ride at times.

Long regarded as a visionary O'Neill has made plenty of noises since sweeping back into power last year.

Many of them make sense. But some of them make sense only if you are Australian.

Yes, it's time for a united front as the southern hemisphere battles the big chequebooks of Europe.

But history shows that Australian rugby needs New Zealand far more than New Zealand needs Australia and the passing of time hasn't changed that.

The costly failure of the much-trumpeted Australian national championship after just one season is proof of that. As a national entity in the massive Australian sporting scene, rugby is in a fragile state.

Having failed at a lower level the plan now is to push on internationally to try to bring in resources and expand the game there.

Asia, and more particularly Japan, is O'Neill's prime target.

Let us not forget that when the votes were made for the hosting rights of the 2011 World Cup, Australia ditched New Zealand and pledged their support to the Japanese.

So much for the Anzac spirit! It was a decision that drew a sharp response from respected rugby folk on both sides of the Tasman and one that contributed to the downfall of the previous Australian management.

O'Neill is a clever chap and he could make New Zealand look clever alongside him. He is full of big talk and big ideas and has a history of success with both rugby and soccer across the ditch.

As Steve Tew settles into the challenging job of chief executive of the New Zealand Rugby Union, there could be a temptation to cling to the coat tails of O'Neill.

But Tew's responsibilities lie firmly with New Zealand and steadying a rocky ship here. His strong provincial roots should help keep his focus.

O'Neill's latest plans for a 26-week Super season would place a huge question mark over New Zealand's domestic stronghold, the Air New Zealand Cup. Deep down that tournament is the envy of Australia. It's why they tried to replicate something similar last year.

As professional rugby cuts deeper and deepr into the lower layers of our national game, some things - like the Air New Zealand Cup - need to be protected. It's not O'Neill's right to threaten that with his grand plans.

I have little doubt that Tew's memory is long enough to stretch back to the 2003 World Cup hosting debacle that he was part of. When push came to shove, O'Neill didn't hesitate to shaft New Zealand then and claim the tournament lock-stock-and barrel for Australia.

He has lived off that glory ever since and it's a major reason why he is back in charge now.

As the saying goes, a leopard doesn't change his spots. For all his talk of Sanzar and forging new relationships, John O'Neill's job is to put Australia first.

It's Steve Tew's job to make sure New Zealand doesn't come second.

- © Fairfax NZ News