OWN CORRESPONDENT, Brisbane | Thursday 1.00pm.
TIAAN Strauss is prepared to be in the media spotlight ahead of Australia’s Tri Nations rugby union international against South Africa in his former home city Cape Town.
The former Springbok skipper’s return as a Wallaby has already attracted interest and several requests for television appearances before the August 14 Test at Newlands.
The 33-year-old No.8 has not played at Newlands since he took up a rugby league career in Australia in 1996 and said on Thursday it would feel strange running out on the ground.
Strauss was relieved to get through his first game against the Springboks in Brisbane last month when the Wallabies dished out a record 32-6 thumping.
“The (South African) media have already called me quite a lot this week but hopefully it will all quieten down after this game,” Strauss said.
“I’m over all the fuss which has been made and I think most people have got used to it now but I just have to get on with it. “I’ve been playing for the Wallabies all season so it’s not new for me anymore.”
South African coach Nick Mallett shocked the rugby world when he dumped captain Gary Teichmann just two internationals before the defence of their World Cup crown in the United kingdom in October.
The sacking was the latest controversy in a bleak season for the Springboks, who have lost successively to Wales, New Zealand and Australia.
“They will lack confidence but sometimes when you get so many thoughts from outside influences it tends to bring you closer together,” Strauss said of his former teammates.
“Some people aren’t too happy with what happened with Teichmann because he was dropped just before the World Cup after he had done so much for South African rugby.
“There’s a few of his teammates still there but it’s happened before so people just have to get on with it when they’re on the field.
“They should try and cut all the political stuff out of it and we know they’ll be much stronger playing at home than they were playing here and in New Zealand.” — AFP