SYDNEY - Springbok coach Jake White yesterday defended his controversial selection policy of bringing an under-strength squad to play the Wallabies and All Blacks in next month's Tri-Nations Tests.
SYDNEY - Springbok coach Jake White yesterday defended his controversial selection policy of bringing an under-strength squad to play the Wallabies and All Blacks in next month's Tri-Nations Tests.
The South Africans arrived in Australia yesterday minus 24 leading players, who White said were either injured or being rested ahead of September's World Cup in France.
White denied the Springboks were surrendering their Tri-Nations chances.
He said South Africa traditionally had a poor away record in the tournament and weren't prepared to risk injuring players a few months before the World Cup.
"I think anyone that understands it would say that it would be ludicrous to come here with players that are carrying injuries, so we brought our best possible team that can make us proud in the next two weekends," White told reporters at Sydney Airport.
South Africa play the Wallabies in Sydney on July 7 and the All Blacks in Christchurch on July 14. - Sapa-AFP
White stands by Bok squad
SYDNEY - Springbok coach Jake White yesterday defended his controversial selection policy of bringing an under-strength squad to play the Wallabies and All Blacks in next month's Tri-Nations Tests.
SYDNEY - Springbok coach Jake White yesterday defended his controversial selection policy of bringing an under-strength squad to play the Wallabies and All Blacks in next month's Tri-Nations Tests.
The South Africans arrived in Australia yesterday minus 24 leading players, who White said were either injured or being rested ahead of September's World Cup in France.
White denied the Springboks were surrendering their Tri-Nations chances.
He said South Africa traditionally had a poor away record in the tournament and weren't prepared to risk injuring players a few months before the World Cup.
"I think anyone that understands it would say that it would be ludicrous to come here with players that are carrying injuries, so we brought our best possible team that can make us proud in the next two weekends," White told reporters at Sydney Airport.
South Africa play the Wallabies in Sydney on July 7 and the All Blacks in Christchurch on July 14. - Sapa-AFP