While the RWC may seem like the be all and end all for some of us rugby supporters, the "Aussie Dickheads" that you refer to ... the ARU, are responsible for the well being of the game in Australia, not just during World Cup year, but in the years beyond. Like all national Rugby Unions, they have to run their union like a business, and if they don't receive enough revenue, then players don't get paid, and other areas, such as rugby development, also suffer.
Going by the 2010 ARU annual report, the total revenue was 76.9 million, with a surplus of just AUD 1,066,000.
Of this Almost 25 million came from test matches, 23 Million from sponsorships, and 20 million from TV rights.
Each of the Tri Nations teams play two less tests, so revenue is down anyway.
... to have your business partner(s) taint your product by not supplying the best players like they have agreed to, is going to effect your income further, and therefore, the ARU (or the NZRU, or SARU), have every right to complain if one or both their business partners aren't fulfilling their commitments.