Row over ‘Cream puff’ Boks continues

The furore continues in Australia over the Springboks’ decision to send a second-string squad to Australasia to contest the away games in this year’s Tri Nations.

Australian Rugby Union Chairman Peter McGrath, issued a letter to the President and Chairman of South African Rugby.

“The ARU does consider this a betrayal, as we ensured our best possible squad was sent to compete against South Africa in Cape Town this month. 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.

“The SARU was more than happy to cash-in on the quality of the Wallabies squad we sent this month to South Africa. This has obviously not been reciprocated.

“While not for a second under-estimating the significance of the Rugby World Cup to any nation, the Tri Nations has for 12 years now been considered one of the premier competitions in international rugby.

“One thing is for sure, we know the Australian Rugby public will not allow this to undermine the significance of the Wallabies’ last home appearance before the Rugby World Cup, nor the send-offs for two of the greats, George and Stephen,” concluded McGrath

However, SA Rugby MD Jonathan Stones reiterated that the Springboks would stand by their decision.

“We issued a statement on Monday wherein we stated our position and we stand by that. We are in discussion with our partners and a teleconference is scheduled for sometime tomorrow (Wednesday) morning whereafter we might be in a position to comment further.”

There were calls from the Australians at one stage to have the test match scrapped and to instead play an extra game against New Zealand.

But Australian Rugby Union spokesman Brian West admitted that this was not a realistic proposition.

“Australia and New Zealand are looking at whether it’s at all possible. But I think the practicality is that it’s not the case. There are so many contracts in place with stadiums, broadcasters and the rest. I don’t think it’s got legs”

Jock Hobbs, New Zealand Rugby Union chairman, joined his Aussie counterparts in their condemnation of the Springbok squad.

“It’s a huge concern, a major issue. We are talking about the integrity and meaningfulness of international rugby. It’s critical; it’s the very heart and soul of our game.”

Jonathan Stones, SA Rugby MD, hit back by saying that the Kiwis were being hypocritical. 

“There are broadcast agreements in place, which makes it tough (for them to cancel the games). I do not want to add to the argument, but Sanzar’s agreement was clearly breached by New Zealand in the Super 14. So they could argue that we are breaching the agreement. But gentlemen, so did you.”

The South Africans roped in renowned sports scientist Tim Noakes to give some scientific backing to their claims that the first choice Boks are exhausted and need a break before the World Cup in France later this year.

Former Wallaby Ray Price labelled the Bok team ‘creampuffs’

“How are they exhausted? They play Super 14, big deal. They don’t play more than one game a week There musn’t be as much pride in the South African jersey – they should change the emblem from the springbok to the creampuff because that is what they are. I don’t see how they can send out a second rate side when Australia nearly beat them in the first Test.”

The saga continues.