Sanzar calls emergency meeting

2007-06-26 22:34

Johannesburg - The Tri-Nations partners will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday over South Africa's decision to send a makeshift rugby squad to Australia and New Zealand.

There will be a conference call between the chiefs executives of the three national rugby unions plus representatives of Sanzar, the governing body of the Tri-Nations and Super 14 championships.

In the face of rising condemnation, especially from Australia, South Africa stood firm on Tuesday on resting 25 top players for away matches against the Wallabies and All Blacks, although that number was reduced by one when CJ van der Linde, who has appeared in four of five tests this year, was recalled when Sharks prop Deon Carstens had to withdraw with a shoulder injury.

South Africa said this week its main squad was suffering from extreme exhaustion after seven consecutive matches starting with the Super 14 playoffs, and nine leading players were injured.

Sports scientist Tim Noakes said it would be "irresponsible" for coach Jake White not to rest them "if he wanted these players to perform a meaningful role at the World Cup."

"We issued a statement on Monday wherein we stated our position and we stand by that," SA Rugby managing director Jonathan Stones said on Tuesday.

'South Africa reneged on promises'

"We are in discussion with our partners and a teleconference is scheduled for sometime tomorrow (Wednesday) morning where after we might be in a position to comment further."

Australia and New Zealand were incensed when they said South Africa reneged on promises last week that they would send a full-strength Springboks squad Down Under, especially after first-choice Wallabies and All Blacks sides played in South Africa over the last two weekends.

Wallabies coach John Connolly, who said Australian ticket-holders were betrayed, suggested Australia and New Zealand cancel their scheduled matches against the Boks on July 7 and 14 and play a third match between themselves instead.

"The players would love that," Connolly told The Australian.

However, television and stadium contracts will probably prevent such a move.

Carstens was the third player to withdraw from the 28-man Boks squad since it was announced on Sunday. Flanker Luke Watson aggravated a rib injury and was replaced by Kabamba Floors and forward utility AJ Venter retired from international rugby, opening a spot for Jacques Cronje.

The Springboks, with three new caps, are scheduled to leave on Wednesday for Sydney.

- SAPA