“The reality of that, and how it looked long-term commercially, was another consideration. What do we risk in Super, in player welfare and in other commercial partnerships, by comparison? That was the equation we looked at and, at the moment, it doesn’t really stack up.”
Additionally, according to informed sources, former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson was not in favour of the proposed Anzac Day Test due to the timing of the clash, which would have taken selected players out of Super Rugby for at least two rounds in the middle of the season.
The Wallaroos will play New Zealand in a historic first Anzac Test on the Sunshine Coast.Credit: Getty
With the departures of Robinson and Robertson, the appointment of a new chief executive and coach will provide a fresh perspective on the Anzac Day concept, which could boost revenue for both RA and NZR.
While he acknowledged there were barriers to overcome with NZR before the Anzac Day Test could become a reality, Herbert said he believed they were all surmountable.
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“Would you imagine trying to start a Rugby World Cup when they did back in 1987? Lots of people were saying that couldn’t happen,” Herbert said.
“Every Lions tour, there’s a bunch of people standing up saying it’s not the best thing for the calendar. Every Origin series that happens, you’ve got clubs who are saying it’s not the best thing for our clubs.
“Is it [the Anzac Test] the best thing for the fans? Is it the best thing for the code? Is it the best thing for players? I think all of those three are an overwhelming yes. As administrators, we need to get out of the way of all of the barriers and try and find a common ground and how we make it happen.”
