Not content with ignoring the Kyoto Protocol on global warming or the UN Security Council over Iraq, JH decided to disparage a ruling of the International Rugby Board over the singing of "Waltzing Matilda" before Australia's Rugby World Cup games.

The IRB made a decision in August that only national anthems and performances such as the haka could be performed before the start of matches in the World Cup. While the haka was considered to be of "cultural significance", Waltzing Matilda was rejected because the IRB deemed the emotional Australian ditty about a suicidal sheep stealer not to be culturally significant.