The South African Rugby Union (Saru) said it had no choice but to back Springbok coach Jake White’s decision to send a second-string squad for Tri-Nations matches in Australia and New Zealand.
Citing extreme exhaustion for resting 21 star players, Saru said in a statement on Monday that it had ”to intervene in such a drastic manner based on medical, conditioning and scientific reports”.
”We are satisfied that the squad of 28 players represents the best available selection.”
The squad, with only four starters and three reserves from the 26-21 weekend loss to the All Blacks, drew an outcry from down under.
Australian Rugby Union chairperson Peter McGrath expressed outrage that Saru reneged on a promise to send its best team, and he was joined by New Zealand Rugby Union chairperson Jock Hobbs, who said he was surprised and disappointed after seeking and receiving assurances from Saru last week when White hinted at resting players for the World Cup in September.
Hobbs also said Sanzar, the body which governs tournaments involving South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, had a written agreement from Saru to play its strongest team. McGrath wanted an urgent meeting of Sanzar.
Saru noted the concerns of its Tri-Nations partners in Monday’s statement, but also supported the worries of White, who said his squad was suffering from extreme exhaustion from playing a string of matches since early May, starting with the Super 14 play-offs and five Tests on consecutive weekends.
South Africa defeated an under-strength England twice, Samoa and Australia, and White blamed fatigue for his team blowing a 21-12 lead against the All Blacks in the last 10 minutes at Durban on Saturday.
Saru noted nine players, including captain John Smit and stars Fourie du Preez and Bryan Habana, were injured following the home Tri-Nations matches, ”and given the status of these coupled with the fatigue of others, it would not have been advisable for management to allow these players to travel to Australasia”.
”Our players have been playing high impact rugby non-stop since February,” said sports physician Tim Noakes, who has worked with the Saru and the Springboks teams for the last four years.
”The majority played an extra semifinal and a demanding Super 14 final, while the bulk of them joined the Springboks straight afterwards.
”It would have been irresponsible not to advise the coach to introduce a period of rest so that the injured can be treated and others recover if he wanted these players to perform a meaningful role at the World Cup.”
Saru said it was confident the squad will acquit itself well against Australia on July 7 in Sydney, then the All Blacks in Christchurch a week later. — Sapa-AP