Aussies admit defeat in row over Bok squad

SYDNEY – The Australian Rugby Union admitted defeat 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 chairman 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 July 7 Test at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium will be the final home Test for veteran Wallabies George Gregan and Stephen Larkham.* Meanwhile, New Zealand announced an injury-enforced rejig of its backline ahead of its Tri-Nations clash with Australia Saturday, while the Wallabies sprang a surprise naming Adam Ashley-Cooper on the wing.Injuries opened the way for New Zealand’s Rico Gear to replace Sitiveni Sivivatu on the wing and for Leon MacDonald to claim Isaia Toeava’s fullback spot.Selectors also opted for in-form centre Luke McAlister over Aaron Mauger and welcomed forward Chris Jack back from paternity leave at the expense of Greg Rawlinson.The injuries have forced a number of positional switches on the side that defeated South Africa 26-21 in Durban last Saturday.Joe Rokocoko switches to left wing to make way for Gear on the right and Mils Muliaina moves from fullback to outside centre.The match doubles as the first of two Bledisloe Cup Tests between the trans-Tasman rivals and All Blacks coach Graham Henry said his side would be motivated to retain the Cup they won in a clean sweep last year.Nampa-AFPThe 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 chairman 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 July 7 Test at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium will be the final home Test for veteran Wallabies George Gregan and Stephen Larkham.* Meanwhile, New Zealand announced an injury-enforced rejig of its backline ahead of its Tri-Nations clash with Australia Saturday, while the Wallabies sprang a surprise naming Adam Ashley-Cooper on the wing.Injuries opened the way for New Zealand’s Rico Gear to replace Sitiveni Sivivatu on the wing and for Leon MacDonald to claim Isaia Toeava’s fullback spot.Selectors also opted for in-form centre Luke McAlister over Aaron Mauger and welcomed forward Chris Jack back from paternity leave at the expense of Greg Rawlinson.The injuries have forced a number of positional switches on the side that defeated South Africa 26-21 in Durban last Saturday.Joe Rokocoko switches to left wing to make way for Gear on the right and Mils Muliaina moves from fullback to outside centre.The match doubles as the first of two Bledisloe Cup Tests between the trans-Tasman rivals and All Blacks coach Graham Henry said his side would be motivated to retain the Cup they won in a clean sweep last year.Nampa-AFP