Moment's silence for Australia

Johannesburg - A moment's silence will be observed before kick off in all three of this weekend's round of South African Vodacom Super 14 matches as a mark of respect to the victims of the bush fires that have ravaged the Australian state of Victoria with an horrific loss of life.

"No one can have been unmoved by the harrowing pictures and news of whole communities being obliterated in this frightening national disaster," said Oregan Hoskins, the president of the South African Rugby Union.

"Our hearts go out to those who have lost family members in the tragedy and to Australians generally who have had to come to terms with this unfolding nightmare.

"As Australia's partners in the Sanzar coalition South African rugby is particularly touched by this disaster and by observing a moment's silence we hope to show our respect and solidarity with them at this time of great trial in their national life."

The occasion may be particularly poignant in Pretoria on Saturday where the Blue Bulls host the Queensland Reds.

Elsewhere the Cheetahs travel to the Lions on Friday and the Stormers receive the Sharks in Cape Town on Saturday.