Joel and Benji Madden, the 'New Australians' chosen by the ARU to play the role of the Wallabies mascots in 2015
Joel and Benji Madden, the 'New Australians' chosen by the ARU to play the role of the Wallabies mascots in 2015
Joel and Benji Madden, the ‘New Australians’ chosen by the ARU to play the role of the Wallabies mascots in 2015

Imran Gashkori | Sports Journalist | [email protected]

4 December, 2014. 10:30

Australian Rugby Union have today come out swinging with a new campaign to help the population get behind the Wallabies in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The announcement shows the ARUs enlistment of ‘New Australians’, brothers Benji and Joel Madden, to headline the campaign with a rework of ‘I still call Australia Home’. Critics are slating the Peter Allen cover as a sure-fire top 40 single, one that will be performed in the pre-game entertainment for every Wallabies match next year.

The ARU have stated that after a gruelling selection process, Good Charlotte have been chosen as the Australian mascots – hired to combat The All Blacks pre-game haka following fiery debate over the traditional war-dance that many say, gives the Kiwis an unfair edge over their competitors.

The New Zealand Haka, a traditional pre-game war dance. A spectacle that was until now, unanswered
The New Zealand Haka, a traditional pre-game war dance. A spectacle that was until now, unanswered

Joel Madden has today spoken out about the challenge before him:

“The Haka is undoubtedly the most powerful thing to witness in modern-day sport… But the Springboks haven’t seen me and Benji let loose on our new green and gold guitars. We are very proud of our new home and we will do whatever we can to combat the Haka and give our boys the competitive edge they deserve”

The news does not come without criticisms however; CEO Bill Pulver touted that Seal was the hot favourite to spearhead the campaign with past experience in anthems being the ‘batman forever’ soundtrack. Seal was unavailable to comment, leading to speculation that the singer is less than impressed by being overlooked.

Another 'New Australian' - Seal - who was overlooked to cover the Peter Allen classic.
Another ‘New Australian’ – Seal – who was overlooked to cover the Peter Allen classic.


The new campaign is to show support of the Wallabies by foreign born Australians. Other notable guests that will appear in the songs clip include; Arj Barker, Jimeoin, Ian Dicko Dickson, Brian Mcfadden and Marcia Hines.

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