Internationally speaking, By far yes. also in South Africa &NZ Rugby union is 3rd most popular sport in Australia (others says otherwise are completely wrong) Cricket is 4th (just because it's a summer sport doesn't mean it's the 2nd)
That would go something like: 1. AFL 2. Cricket 3. Rugby League 4. Rugby Union With Basketball and Soccer squeezing in there somewhere.
As you said successful as opposed to popular, not that Rugby's that popular, the most successful sport world probably be something like swimming, Australia were ranked 6th after the recent world cup event and finished 4th on the overall medal tally with 3 gold and 11 silver, even though Australia is going through a comparatively lean period at the moment with regards to swimming. Swimming is also far more popular than Rugby. Field Hockey is another sport which Australia does particularly well at having wn numerous Olympic Gold and World championships in both Men's and Women's competition. Not that it's much of an international sport but Australia usually dominates Rugby League. Even though the Kiwis are the current world cup holders Australia wins about 8 of 10 world cups even if it is only a competition between Australia New Zealand and England. Cricket is also a sport Australia has been very successful in but certainly not at the moment. In terms of popularity, last time I saw any rankings, Rugby was 9th in the popularity stakes behind Australian Football Cricket Rugby League Swimming Soccer Tennis Golf and motor racing.
Cricket would be the top sport.
i'd say Aussie Rules Football
No drinking
