Aussies fear lineouts

SYDNEY – The Wallabies fear the Springboks’ formidable lineout will make it tough for them in their Tri-Nations rugby curtain-raiser in Perth next Saturday.

The world champion South Africans ended New Zealand’s world record 30-match home winning streak with a 30-28 victory over the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday. The Australians, regrouping under new coach Robbie Deans, face a big step up against the Springboks after opening the season with wins over Ireland and twice against depleted France.Australian assistant coach Jim Williams said the Springboks have gained a vital edge over the Wallabies at the lineout.Williams admitted the Springboks’ already-dominant lineout will be even more difficult to crack because South Africa had enjoyed the benefit of two Tests against New Zealand to adjust to the experimental laws being used in the tournament for the first time.One of the new laws allows unlimited numbers at the lineout, and Williams fears that has made South Africa even more dangerous at the set piece.- Nampa-AFP Rugby Results Played Saturday, July 12 Blue Bulls 31-23 Cheetahs Div 1 Leopards 41-33 Eagles Lions 57-17 Kavaliers Griquas 21-20 WP Played Friday, July 11 Sharks 28-10 Valke Cup Div 1 Pumas 23-27 BulldogsThe Australians, regrouping under new coach Robbie Deans, face a big step up against the Springboks after opening the season with wins over Ireland and twice against depleted France.Australian assistant coach Jim Williams said the Springboks have gained a vital edge over the Wallabies at the lineout.Williams admitted the Springboks’ already-dominant lineout will be even more difficult to crack because South Africa had enjoyed the benefit of two Tests against New Zealand to adjust to the experimental laws being used in the tournament for the first time.One of the new laws allows unlimited numbers at the lineout, and Williams fears that has made South Africa even more dangerous at the set piece.- Nampa-AFP Rugby Results Played Saturday, July 12 Blue Bulls 31-23 Cheetahs Div 1 Leopards 41-33 Eagles Lions 57-17 Kavaliers Griquas 21-20 WP Played Friday, July 11 Sharks 28-10 Valke Cup Div 1 Pumas 23-27 Bulldogs