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Melbourne - The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has called on SANZAR officials to seek assurances from the Springboks that they will field their best available team during this year's Tri-Nations tournament.
According to Rugby Heaven correspondent, Greg Growden, the ARU was unimpressed when told that the Springboks would send a B-team to Australia for the opening Test of the Tri-Nations in Sydney on July 23, with South African team officials claiming that 21 of their players were injured and unavailable.
The list of players is the heart and soul of the South African Test team, prompting claims that Springboks coach Peter de Villiers is mischievously resting his best players until just before the World Cup.
The only top first choice players left are: Flyhalf Morné Steyn, captain and hooker John Smit and No 8 Pierre Spies.
In 2007, South Africa took a similar approach before winning the World Cup, which saw them chastised by New Zealand and Australian officials because of threats from the SANZAR broadcasters that they had lowered the value of the Tri-Nations, and subsequently would pay less for the TV rights.
The SANZAR countries have since signed an agreement which ensures they do not damage any of its competitions through fielding weakened teams.
ARU chief executive John O'Neill yesterday said he has called on SANZAR's chief executive officer, Greg Peters, to investigate the matter.
''The difference between 2007 and now is that we now have a permanent SANZAR office with a CEO, who has the job of monitoring and policing such matters. He (Peters) will be following up on this announcement,'' O'Neill said.
''A couple of weeks ago we had rumours coming out of the Republic that they may be sending an understrength team. We received assurances at the time that the only players not included would be genuinely injured. We have a joint venture agreement and a broadcasting agreement, and it is important that the three countries don't just comply with the black letter of the law, but also the spirit of the contract. Joint ventures rely on people acting honourably and consistently.''
O'Neill admitted to being surprised at the extent of the Springboks injury list. ''We're not in a position to second-guess the Springboks, and we also have our share of injured players. But it is nowhere near 21. The sheer size of the number of players who are injured is unusual,'' O'Neill said.
''That's why we have asked for assurances. Regardless of what South Africa does, our preparation for the World Cup starts now, and the integrity of the Tri-Nations series is critically important. We want our players to have as much game time as possible, and we also have a list of injured players. But they're clearly on crutches, or ankles in a boot, or knees in a brace.''
Asked if he was concerned that this could affect ticket sales for the Sydney Test, O'Neill replied: ''You hope like hell that it doesn't.''
''We've got to play what's in front of us, whoever the Springboks put up. What's more relevant is who is in the Wallabies team, and we're asking people to get behind them. I am simply urging people to show up.''
According to Rugby Heaven correspondent, Greg Growden, the ARU was unimpressed when told that the Springboks would send a B-team to Australia for the opening Test of the Tri-Nations in Sydney on July 23, with South African team officials claiming that 21 of their players were injured and unavailable.
The list of players is the heart and soul of the South African Test team, prompting claims that Springboks coach Peter de Villiers is mischievously resting his best players until just before the World Cup.
The only top first choice players left are: Flyhalf Morné Steyn, captain and hooker John Smit and No 8 Pierre Spies.
In 2007, South Africa took a similar approach before winning the World Cup, which saw them chastised by New Zealand and Australian officials because of threats from the SANZAR broadcasters that they had lowered the value of the Tri-Nations, and subsequently would pay less for the TV rights.
The SANZAR countries have since signed an agreement which ensures they do not damage any of its competitions through fielding weakened teams.
ARU chief executive John O'Neill yesterday said he has called on SANZAR's chief executive officer, Greg Peters, to investigate the matter.
''The difference between 2007 and now is that we now have a permanent SANZAR office with a CEO, who has the job of monitoring and policing such matters. He (Peters) will be following up on this announcement,'' O'Neill said.
''A couple of weeks ago we had rumours coming out of the Republic that they may be sending an understrength team. We received assurances at the time that the only players not included would be genuinely injured. We have a joint venture agreement and a broadcasting agreement, and it is important that the three countries don't just comply with the black letter of the law, but also the spirit of the contract. Joint ventures rely on people acting honourably and consistently.''
O'Neill admitted to being surprised at the extent of the Springboks injury list. ''We're not in a position to second-guess the Springboks, and we also have our share of injured players. But it is nowhere near 21. The sheer size of the number of players who are injured is unusual,'' O'Neill said.
''That's why we have asked for assurances. Regardless of what South Africa does, our preparation for the World Cup starts now, and the integrity of the Tri-Nations series is critically important. We want our players to have as much game time as possible, and we also have a list of injured players. But they're clearly on crutches, or ankles in a boot, or knees in a brace.''
Asked if he was concerned that this could affect ticket sales for the Sydney Test, O'Neill replied: ''You hope like hell that it doesn't.''
''We've got to play what's in front of us, whoever the Springboks put up. What's more relevant is who is in the Wallabies team, and we're asking people to get behind them. I am simply urging people to show up.''
