IRB's Matilda decision like being "half pregnant," says O'Neill

SYDNEY, Sept 6 (AFP) - The International Rugby Board's decision to allow Waltzing Matilda to be sung -- but only before players take the field at the World Cup -- was akin to being "half-pregnant," Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill said on Saturday.

The Rugby World Cup directors agreed in Dublin on Friday to an Australian request to perform the famous Australian ballad in stadia before the October-November matches.

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But once the players are on the pitch the song must not be part of an official ceremony, the IRB said.

The whole of Australia, including Prime Minister John Howard, was outraged last month by suggestions the song would be outlawed.

O'Neill said the ARU was unhappy with the ruling and said it would be difficult to stop the crowd from singing it if fans decided to do so after the players took the field.

"We did the right thing, we asked for permission and now we're in this half-pregnant situation where you can sing it but not when the players are on the paddock," O'Neill told ABC radio on Saturday.

"Then again if the crowd decides to burst into the song after the national anthem, I don't think you can decide to stop the crowd from doing it."

The IRB had initially ruled that only a country's national anthem or displays of cultural significance could be sung or performed before games at the October-November tournament.

Then the ARU made a formal request to the IRB that the song be allowed.

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