SYDNEY - The Wallabies are considering sending a less-than-full-strength side on their end of season European tour, in order to keep players fresh for the Rugby World Cup.
Coach John Connolly says he will think about resting several senior members of his backline, although he has only had a very
brief discussion on the topic with the players.
However, he concedes captain George Gregan is one of the players who may take a break, although it is Gregan's call.
Connolly says if Gregan is available, then he will definitely go, and be captain, while there is no problem if Gregan chooses to sit it out, given his 12 years of service.
The Wallabies admit they are still licking their wounds and nursing bruises two days after the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe loss in Brisbane, but they don't have long to recover as they face South Africa again this weekend in Sydney.
Connolly says the coaching staff will back off the players this week, with the players emotionally and physically drained after Saturday night.
The Springboks have held their first media session of the week at their hotel in Sydney, but Jake White was nowhere to be seen.
The head coach was apparently told to stay away from the media conference, so his two assistant coaches fronted.
In another bizarre twist, the conference was held in a tiny hotel room, with journalists wedged in, almost sitting in the laps of Gert Smal and Allister Coetzee.
Smal says Jake White realises he is under extreme pressure to win in Sydney, as they all are.
He says this weekend is actually more about self pride and team pride, and a chance to atone for their recent failures.
The Wallabies and Springboks train again today in Sydney, building up to this weekend's Tri-Nations match at Telstra Stadium.
- NEWSTALK ZB
