ARU boss Bill Pulver has admitted he could have given Ewen McKenzie more support to prevent the crestfallen Wallabies coach's shock resignation.
Pulver took some responsibility for the dramatic events that led to McKenzie's sudden decision, but also denied the appointment of controversial staffer Di Patston led to the code's current mess.
It was Patston's mid-air argument with Kurtley Beale three weeks ago which saw the Wallabies embroiled in turmoil as it led to revelations that the star back had sent offensive material to teammates related to the business manager.
It also lifted the lid on rumours that players believed McKenzie and Patston were involved in an intimate relationship, which the rattled coach staunchly denied nine days ago.
Patston resigned following that press conference and a defiant McKenzie took aim at reports that questioned her credentials, background and their relationship.
But that defiance ended 11 hours before the Wallabies fell to a heart-breaking 29-28 loss to the All Blacks on Saturday night, McKenzie telling Pulver he felt he'd lost the respect of his team.
The chief executive, who tried but failed to talk McKenzie out of his decision, blamed sections of the media for driving "a great coach" out of the game.
"In many ways he's an extremely noble person and I think a part of him said `well, the best thing for Australian rugby is if I step aside'," Pulver said.
Pulver voiced feelings he hadn't given McKenzie enough support through the toughest time of his career, and expected those doubts would continue to nag away.
Compared to the restrictions placed on predecessor Robbie Deans, McKenzie had been given complete control of his off-field team and program, according to Pulver.
Also under public pressure himself, Pulver said he had great faith in the coach to make the correct calls and left him to do his job unimpeded.
"Ewen has an outstanding track record so, again, I had great faith in his ability to choose the right people to deliver the program that he needed.
"This is not Di Patston's fault ... she was just part of the team that he put together.
"The concept of bringing a female into the environment, I have no problem with whatsoever."
Although player power is firmly in question following Deans' own claims he was undone by disenchantment from within his leadership group, Pulver denied there needed to be changes to the Wallabies' culture as they look for a third coach in 15 months.
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