Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has taken aim at New Zealand Rugby, after the decision to keep the All Blacks grounded rather than travel to Perth on Sunday.
After the COVID-19 outbreak plunged the country into alert level 4 lockdown, NZ Rugby on Friday made the decision to keep the All Blacks grounded, rather than fly to Perth on Sunday to base the team in Australia for the Rugby Championship.
The All Blacks were scheduled to play the Wallabies on August 28, albeit that fixture was in doubt, with not enough time for Ian Foster's side to fulfill a 14-day quarantine period after arriving in Western Australia.
The All Blacks would have potentially been away from home until the end of November, due to the northern hemisphere tour later this year, after the Rugby Championship.
The decision means that the third Bledisloe Cup test that was scheduled for Perth's Optus Stadium won't go ahead, hitting Rugby Australia in the pocket in terms of both ticket sales and broadcast rights.
But as Rennie fronted media on Friday, the Wallabies' Kiwi coach didn't hold back in his assessment of the situation, pointing the finger at NZ Rugby's decision - which did not see Rugby Australia consulted.
"I'm bloody angry," Rennie says.
"It's disappointing how it's been communicated. Our boys all found out through social media.
"NZ Rugby didn't even have the respect to consult RA about their decision, so that's hugely disappointing.
"I'm not sure 'shocked' is the right word, because I'm not surprised."
Rennie also pointed out the hypocrisy of NZ Rugby and the All Blacks, who have failed to reciprocate the willingness that the Wallabies have shown to keep the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship fixtures alive.
Last year's Rugby Championship fixtures, hosted in Australia, were brought forward to ensure the All Blacks wouldn't have to spend Christmas in MIQ.
The Wallabies meanwhile were forced to flee Australia for New Zealand earlier this year, following the abrupt closure of the trans-Tasman bubble, allowing for the first two Bledisloe Cup tests to both be played in Auckland.
"I just feel there's only one of us who are interested in doing what's best for the game," Rennie added.
"We've all made sacrifices to ensure that the games are played for the financial benefit of everyone and the good of the game.
"If they're playing the welfare card, well our New South Wales guys haven't been home for eight weeks already with no clear end in sight either, with the likelihood that guys won't get home until late November.
"New Zealand's attitude to not honouring their commitment is really disappointing. It's all about them and without any concept of what it's doing over here."
SANZAAR, southern hemisphere rugby's governing body have said that an announcement on the 2021 Rugby Championship will be made at a later date.
Europe has emerged as a contender to host the tournament, while South Africa have also offered to play hosts.
