ARU admit defeat in Bok row

2007-06-27 08:44

Sydney - The Australian Rugby Union admitted defeat on Wednesday in its row with South Africa over the Springboks' refusal to field a full-strength team in their remaining Tri-Nations Tests.

Angry ARU officials had raised the prospect of scrapping the Wallabies' Test against the Springboks on July 7 in protest at the South African Rugby Union's (Saru's) decision to protect their top stars ahead of the World Cup later this year.

The South Africans say they suffered nine injuries in the first two Tri-Nations Tests against Australia and New Zealand and cannot risk their remaining stars ahead of the World Cup.

While fuming over the decision, the Australians were forced to accept the South Africans' stance after receiving official advice from the Saru justifying the policy on medical grounds.

The ARU said the South Africans had cited a sports scientist who concluded that if the Springboks' top uninjured players toured New Zealand and Australia "they might as well not bother going to the World Cup."

ARU chairperson Peter McGrath said the Australians had expressed their anger and "sense of betrayal" to their South African counterparts.

"To send a less than top-line squad is insulting, not only to the spirit of the Tri-Nations competition, but more importantly the Australian and South African rugby faithful, both here and abroad," McGrath said.

"The Saru was more than happy to cash in on the quality of the Wallabies squad we sent this month to South Africa. This has obviously not been reciprocated."

The July 7 Test at Sydney's Olympic Stadium will be the final home Test for veteran Wallabies George Gregan and Stephen Larkham.

- AFP