SARU will not send second-string Springbok team to Tri Nations – Rugby news
South African Rugby Union (SARU) has denounced the opinion that the defending champions will sent their backup team into the upcoming Tri Nations series. SARU Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jurie Roux, made the announcement on Tuesday, June 7.
The Springboks are the defending Rugby World Cup Champions and resting key players for now may be seen as beneficial for the Springboks. Earlier in 2007, Springboks head coach Jake White sent a second string team for the 2007 Tri Nations. The first string
players were rested and the strategy ultimately paid dividends as Springboks lifted the 2007’s rugby world crown.
Roux clearly denounced the reports appearing in certain media segments related to the Springboks policy to rest their first choice players and sent a second string team to participate in the 2011 Tri Nations tournament. Roux said, “It has been decided from
the beginning, we can't rest a number of players - it is against the agreement of the Tri-Nations and against the rules of the competition.”
However, he further added that he is aware the heavy toll the players have taken during the 2011 Super Rugby season. Super xv is so far the longest Super Rugby competition with each team having to play 15 round matches before the mandatory play-offs.
CEO Roux reiterated that they are aware of the players’ problems and SANZAR has discussed the issue. Roux said, “What we will be doing - what New Zealand and Australia are both doing as well - is to monitor the number of minutes that key players have been
playing. We will look at this and determine then when a player needs a rest and if he can be given that rest.”
Roux further made it clear that a play-off team’s player can be considered for a break during the Tri Nations but it is conditional to a player who will be the part of the team during the super xv play-offs.
2011 Tri Nations series will commence from 23 July, 2011 as Australia hosts the Springboks at the ANZ Stadium, Sydney. South Africa will play their second match against New Zealand at Wellington on July 30. Springboks will host the Wallabies and All Blacks
at Durban and Port Elizabeth on August 13 and August 20.
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