O n an important day in the history of Australian rugby, as it is the 100th anniversary of the first Wallabies leaving for the 1908-09 northern hemisphere tour, it is sad to announce that out in the provinces they carry on as if it is still a shamateur game. The latest antics in paranoid Waratahland defy belief. There are constant complaints in the heartland that the NSW Rugby Union is rudderless, especially in its inability to handle any pressing issue. One Sydney premiership club has developed a dreadful reputation of boasting about racist supporters, who take delight in targeting non-Anglo Saxon opposition players. The club is now known as the KKK. Despite four official complaints and high-ranking NSWRU officials being alerted, nothing has been done to rectify the problem. R&M has also been told of a dangerous off-field altercation involving two other clubs at a recent Colts match, which the NSWRU is aware of but again appears to have wiped its hands of it. And out at Randwick, they are unimpressed the NSWRU has thwarted their plan to get Test centre Morgan Turinui eligible for the semi-finals. As Turinui has been committed to Australia A and the Queensland club scene, Randwick asked for permission for the long-time Wick to play in a lower-grade midweek match, so he could play the three games required to be part of the semis. NSW knocked them back, saying running Turinui on in the lower grades was "not in the right spirit". So Turinui will miss the semis. Adding to the Galloping Greens' angst towards NSW is that they have lost promising winger Ratu Nasiganiyavi for several weeks with a calf injury. Randwick claim he has been "flogged" at training since joining the Waratahs.

Not advancing Australia

The Kiwis think it's hilarious, but certain Australian rugby officials are getting sick of New Zealand Tests involving a shambolic version of Advance Australia Fair . At Eden Park, the anthem couldn't be heard because the microphones suddenly went on the blink, which caused great mirth among the NZRU heavies. This follows terrible renditions in previous years from out-of-tune locals and dud rock groups. At least they got it right in brushing Waltzing Matilda . Hallelujah! We also hear Wallabies coach Robbie Deans impressed onlookers with his level-headed behaviour in his first Australian losing dressing room, even helping every player take off their jerseys.

Ref told to give an earful

Country rugby was at its best in the Gloucester ranges when first-season club, the Nabiac-Bulahdelah Bulls, last Sunday advanced to the Mid North Coast's preliminary final. As our best bush snout, Phil "Redcap" Wilkins, reports: "Before the game against the Gloucester Cockatoos, Andrew Birch, one of the best referees on the coast, told the Cockies of his requirements. Grizzled 46-year-old club president, Gary Threadgate, playing in his 20th winter and 295th game, suggested he speak louder at the scrums. 'What position are you?' Birch enquired. 'Loose-head,' replied the old prop. 'I'll be standing beside you.' 'Speak louder anyway,' said Threadgate. From the back of the group, a voice - not from one of his two teammate sons - said bluntly: 'He's deaf!' Decades in the sawmilling game do that to a man's hearing." The game ended in controversy. With the Cockatoos leading 10-3, Bulls centre Brent Gilmour appeared to knock on, before scoring. Birch ruled it a fair try, explaining the ball had hit Gilmour's knee. Extra time was required and Gilmour was at it again, firing over a 40-metre field goal for the 13-10 win.

Star-studded reunion

One of the best star-studded reunions for some time will occur in Cowra on September 27. The Greylands and Cowra Moths Invitational XV are holding a get-together to celebrate 21 years of rugby from 1978-98. The game, organised by Bill "Colt" Rowlands and his son Tim, was played every Friday night at Easts Rugby Club before the Sydney Test, and involved countless Wallabies. Anyone who played in the match should contact Col Jeffs ( coljeffs@bigpond.com ) or Bob Wilson ( bobw@wireless2way.com.au ).

Rumours of the Week

The McCarthy era has hit Waratahland. Certain NSW Rugby Union staff members have been given a hit list of naughty boys they are barred from dealing with. We've seen the list, which is hilarious reading, and, oh no, R&M is on it! How are we going to survive? Zzzz.

Is it true an underachieving official wanted the NSWRU to pay his way so he could attend the Australia-South Africa Test in Durban, but for a multitude of reasons was knocked back?

One of NSWRU's best on-the-ground scouts is soon expected to join the steady exodus of talent leaving wayward Waratahland. In the meantime, the other three Australian provinces continue "cherry-picking" the best talent in the Sydney clubs.

For exclusive video of the great Tah Man training, go to waratahs.com.au