The most intriguing expression used in the statement confirming mass sanctions is the one referencing "inappropriate levels of alcohol".
What constitutes inappropriate? Beneath the inevitable blizzard of giddy tweets speculating what a sober group might have inflicted on Ireland resides a pretty dark and topical story for Australian sport.
Given that the sanctions taken against a total of 13 players were "internal" and that eight of those saw game-time at Lansdowne Road, this could have been easily swept under the carpet by the ARU.
That they chose not to do so reflects the climate in which they now operate and the broad message they are desperate to articulate.
Just last month, James O'Connor was released from his ARU contract after being arrested by police at Perth airport, the latest in a string of disciplinary lapses for the Wallabies' starting out-half.
Last month, controversy surrounded the Australian International Rules team after fellow guests complained of a rowdy drinking session at their Dromoland base that drifted on past 5am.
Source: Vincent Hogan, Irish Independent, 19/11/13
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