The rivalry between the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies has long been one of the fiercest in Australian rugby.
On the eve of their Super Rugby Pacific Round 6 clash at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night, opposite head coaches Dan McKellar of the NSW Waratahs and Stephen ‘Bernie’ Larkham of the ACT Brumbies showed the competitive fire burns as brightly off the field as on it.
At a packed annual Randwick Rugby Club luncheon at Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour held ahead of next month's Shute Shield, Sydney and attended by 350 passionate rugby supporters, McKellar and Larkham engaged in an entertaining war of words, blending sharp-witted banter with deep respect for each other’s coaching pedigree.
Hosted by former Wallaby and Randwick club legend Morgan Turinui, the event provided a glimpse into the personal rivalry and camaraderie between two of Australia’s top coaches who have shared similar coaching pathways in many ways.
McKellar's Super Rugby coaching career began under Larkham and Laurie Fisher in 2014, and for a decade, they both coached at the ACT Brumbies at different times.
McKellar took over in 2018 as Larkham focused on his assistant coaching role with Michael Cheika and the Wallabies before the legendary flyhalf headed to Ireland.
Four years later, McKellar was doing the same at the Wallabies under Dave Rennie, with Larkham heading home with valuable lessons learnt from Munster.
Now they face each other, as opposite coaches in one of Australian rugby's greatest and most deep-rooted rivalries.
While both coaches were keen to downplay the emotional build-up, neither could resist a few jabs at their counterpart.
“You’d like to say it’s just another game,” McKellar quipped, “but that’d be absolute rubbish.
“These are the kinds of matches you feel privileged to be involved in — whether as a player, coach, or even a physio.
“For eighty minutes on Saturday night, we’re going into battle, and I’d love nothing more than to get one over Bernie and his lads.”
Larkham, quick with a response, laughed, “Dan actually rang me when he got the Waratahs job and tried to apologise for going to the enemy.
“Make no mistake, this is a huge game for us.
"At the Brumbies, we call it ‘Tahs Week,’ and we make sure there’s a little more emotion involved than your average match.”
The history between the two sides runs deep, with several ACT Brumbies stars having roots in Sydney’s famed Randwick club.
Larkham noted that the Brumbies' DNA has long been intertwined with Sydney rugby, which has added an extra layer of intensity to the rivalry over the years.
While the room was filled with laughter, both coaches were well aware of the task at hand.
McKellar acknowledged his side’s recent struggles, particularly after a disappointing loss to the Queensland Reds last weekend.
“We won three games at home, but if we’re serious about being a top side, we need to step up against the best,” McKellar said.
“The Brumbies bring a tough, physical pack, and we know they’ll test us with their rolling maul. If we switch off for even a second, they’ll punish us.”
Larkham, in turn, praised McKellar’s impact on the NSW Waratahs, while subtly reminding the audience of his former assistant’s role in building the Brumbies’ famed forward dominance.
“When we brought Dan into the Brumbies back in 2013, we told him we wanted the best rolling maul in the competition,” Larkham said.
“He designed it, and before long, teams around the world were copying it.
"Now he’s trying to bring that to the Waratahs, so we’ll see how well they execute it on Saturday.”
Beyond the immediate clash, speculation continues to swirl around the next Wallabies coaching appointment.
With McKellar and Larkham both considered contenders, along with Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss, their mutual admiration was evident.
Turinui asked both McKellar and Larkham why the other would make the ideal Wallabies coach, a question that provoked great anticipation among the audience.
“Bernie’s one of the few great players who’s also become a great coach,” McKellar said.
“He’s calm, composed, and has a proven track record at international level. If he gets the top job, it’d be well deserved.”
Larkham returned the favour, highlighting McKellar’s overseas experience and the perspective he has gained.
“Spending time in Ireland gives you the chance to reflect on Australian rugby from the outside,” Larkham said.
“Dan’s come back with fresh ideas, and I think he’s in a great position to take on the Wallabies role when the time comes.”
With pleasantries exchanged and verbal jabs delivered, both coaches left the stage knowing that the real battle is yet to come – Saturday’s clash at Allianz Stadium.
As the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies prepare to write the next chapter in their rivalry, fans can expect nothing less than a fiery contest without the pleasantries.
When: at 7.35 pm (AEDT) Saturday 22 March 2025
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney
To purchase your tickets, click HERE
The game will be televised LIVE on 9Gem and Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
