Rugby: Rising Aussie tide may refloat AB resolve

Dan Carter. Photo / Getty Images

A peculiar but potentially effective weapon has fallen into New Zealand's possession to help them fight their recruitment war.

Australia's early retention of a number of Wallaby stars, including Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes and Stephen Moore, could have a major benefit on this side of the Tasman.

The Wallabies are determined to build a new legacy in the coming years. Not since the likes of John Eales, Tim Horan and George Gregan led them to World Cup glory in 1999 have they really scared the rest of the world. The current crop, with players such as Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ben McCalman and Kurtley Beale in their mix, believe they have the ability to win trophies, including the World Cup.

"That key message has come through loud and clear over the past week as key players re-commit beyond the Rugby World Cup this year," said ARU chief executive John O'Neill. "Like me, our players believe they are on the cusp of something special. They want to taste the kind of success that brings with it the most coveted silverware.

"It was 2002 when we last won the Bledisloe Cup, 2001 when we last lifted the Tri Nations trophy, and 1999 when the Rugby World Cup was in the hands of a Wallabies captain. This team wants to experience those unforgettable moments together."

A triumphant announcement from across the ditch could be enough to nudge a few senior All Blacks towards extending their time here.

A ripple of confidence has filtered through New Zealand rugby circles that more players might still be here after the World Cup than originally anticipated. Chief executive of the national body, Steve Tew, says negotiations with senior men coming off contract this year are progressing and that many have indicated their preference is to stay if they can strike the right deal.

Yet for all the confidence professed, everyone involved knows there is many a slip betwixt cup and lip. For weeks last year, the indications were that Carl Hayman would return from Europe. Toulon got him in the end, highlighting the precarious nature of contract talks.

Those players wavering - tempted to stay but uncertain if it is the right thing to do - will be intrigued by the ambition and determination being expressed in Australia. The thought of a Wallaby renaissance will not be easy to stomach given the efforts made on this side of the Tasman to maintain the All Blacks' dominance.

There is also an edge, not apparent in previous years, to the current rivalry. Cooper's unsavoury victory reaction in Hong Kong - where he shoved over Richie McCaw and gloated - alluded to the undercurrent of bad blood flowing beneath the surface.

The Wallabies rejected invitations for post-match changing room beers last year and there is little rapport between the respective players - unlike the relationship between the All Black and Springbok players, which is founded on mutual respect.

Similar to 2008, the NZRU are hoping that if they can persuade McCaw and Dan Carter to stay and make those announcements soon, that could encourage other key players to remain in New Zealand.

McCaw has all but said he will sign an extension and hope has not yet been extinguished with Carter.

The first five has attracted enormous offshore interest and could become the highest paid player in world rugby if he signs with one of the French clubs chasing him.

His continued love of test football, New Zealand business interests and his impending marriage could yet keep him here.

Sonny Bill Williams is another high priority and, while speculation has suggested the 25-year-old could return to France or the NRL, Tew says the NZRU has had encouraging dialogue.

Ma'a Nonu, Mils Muliaina, Andrew Hore and Keven Mealamu are the other senior men yet to be tied in past 2011.

"We haven't put a deadline on the players but we wouldn't want anyone going to the World Cup still undecided about their future," said Tew.