Rugby fans have hit out at the decision for nobody to sing the national anthem prior to England’s rugby clash with Australia on Saturday.
Last weekend, The Red Roses were beaten by New Zealand in a thrilling clash at Twickenham.
Nobody sung the New Zealand national anthem before that clash and, fast-forward to now, it was a similar case against Australia.
That’s not gone down well with rugby fans, however, with several accusing chiefs of ‘disrespect’ for the decision.
Rugby fans have hit out at the decision for nobody to sing the national anthem prior to England’s rugby clash with Australia on Saturday.
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“So arrogant not to have a singer for the Aussie anthem,” were the words of one user.
A second said: “It’s disgraceful that you don’t have anyone to sing the opposition national anthem for the 2nd week in a row.
A third vented: “Very poor that there was no one to sing the Australian national anthem. It felt very disrespectful.”
And another contacted England Rugby online, writing: “@EnglandRugby Why was there no one leading the Australian National Anthem today at #Twickenham England vs Australia #strangedecision.”
It isn’t the first time England have faced criticism for the decision in recent times.
Last week, against New Zealand, a recorded version of ‘God Defend New Zealand’ was played – instead of a singer performing it live.
And former Ireland lock Donncha O’Callaghan was left unhappy with that decision, branding it ‘absolutely disgraceful’.
“Instead of poking fun at something that’s cultural and really important, [they need] to tidy up their own stuff,” O’Callaghan told The Offload podcast after Joe Marler had called for the haka to be banned.
“I think England’s playing of the opposition’s anthems is absolutely disgraceful.
“They just play it really poorly, and they always have. Don’t turn the speakers up and just do poor renditions of it.
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Rugby fans believe it is unfair that England’s national anthem was performed live prior to their clash with Australia
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“You want to take the home advantage, but at least show [the visiting team] the decency of playing their anthem properly. I thought it was disgraceful on Saturday.”
England have, in the past, used singers for opposition anthems at Twickenham.
However, amid a growing backlash, it’s unclear if they’ll perform a U-turn for when they face South Africa next Saturday (5.40pm).
New Zealand’s national anthem wasn’t performed live at Twickenham before their win over England last week
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Speaking before England’s clash with Australia, meanwhile, Steve Borthwick said England had been working hard to improve following their defeat last time out.
“Facing Australia is always a massive challenge, and we’ll work diligently this week to ensure we’re physically and tactically prepared to take on the Wallabies,” said Borthwick.
“The passion and energy from the crowd at Allianz Stadium last weekend was absolutely brilliant, from the opening whistle to the final moments, and we can’t wait to be back at home this Saturday.”