Cameron Munster says it’s possible none of his team-mates are aware Australia has held the Ashes for 52 years.
“We obviously look back on history and the teams that have played and how much passion they had for the jersey but to be honest I don’t think any of the boys care about history anymore,” the Melbourne five-eighth said as the build-up continued to Saturday’s first Test against England at Wembley.
On Saturday it will be 18,956 days since the 1973 Kangaroos beat Great Britain 15-5 at Headingley to win back the trophy donated to the sport by Sydney’s City Tattersalls in 1928 and once misplaced for 12 years.
The green and golds successfully defended it in 1974, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2001 and 2003 and after yachting’s America’s Cup (138 years), it’s one of world sport’s longest winning streaks.
But Munster said: “To be honest, you’re the first person who’s ever mentioned it. I’m the only person who was born in ’94 – me, Isaah Yeo, Mitchell Moses. Some of these guys weren’t born until ’04. I didn’t know it was 52 years. It just shows how much history this series has had.”
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Increased competitiveness this century has put paid to many international rugby league hoodoos.
New Zealand’s 2008 World Cup victory ended 33 years of Australian custodianship for that trophy, while the Kiwi’s 2005 Tri-series triumph was the Kangaroos’ first loss in a series or tournament since France beat them in 1978.
Tonga became the first new country to beat the green-and-golds in 68 years with their 2019 success in Auckland.
For the current generation of players and fans, there is a lot of education required.
For many it’s even a surprise that the series is called the Ashes, given it has not been played in the lifetime of anyone younger than 22.
But asked about his own charges’ regard for historical significance, England captain George Williams commented: “I think they know.
“As you know, Waney (coach Shaun Wane) is very passionate. We’ve seen some history on it. Even going way, way back before my time – this history of the game, scorelines and defeats and those sorts of things.
“We’ve got some education on what’s gone before us but we’ve got to try and write our own history which is a challenge in itself.”
Australia captain Isaah Yeo offered: “There’s pressure any time you put on an Australian jersey because of the people that have played before you and the success they’ve had.
“That’s one (stat) for the Ashes environment. You could almost say that for the World Cup and the rich history we’ve got in that as well.
“We’re very fortunate with the history we’ve got and the success we’ve had but there’s no point worrying about that. At the moment you’re just focusing solely on yourself and that this is your moment in the Australian jersey.
“I think it’s more something that you reflect back on later – either good or bad. That goes with the result. In the meantime we’re creating our own legacy in this jersey. You like to be on the positive side of history but you’ve got to go out and action it.”
England, due to name a 19-man squad on Thursday, trained Wednesday morning at the Lensbury complex with weights, a field session and recovery.
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They then attended a community function with youth players from the south of England.
Australia were due to train with referee James Vella at Harrow School in the morning.
The London Broncos’ new branding will be launched at a function at London Bridge due to be attended over owners Darren Lockyer and Grant Wechsel on Thursday evening. Lockyer and Wechsel also attended the Kangaroos’ Wednesday training session.
