Skinstad will captain a South Africa "B" side in Sydney

South African sides currently play the bulk of their matches against Australian and New Zealand teams.

"I do believe we've been at a disadvantage over the last 10 years," he said. "We travel a lot more.

"Possibly a northern hemisphere relationship where we didn't encounter jetlag might be easier on us."

South African teams face a long-haul flight and a time difference of up to 10 hours when playing away games in Australia or New Zealand.

If someone's not happy in a partnership, then obviously it's got to be dissolved George Gregan

But Skinstad, who has made a stunning Test comeback after four years of retirement, added: "Whether 'easier on us' is something that we want to undertake, I don't know."

Veteran Wallaby George Gregan weighed into the debate by saying it may be time for Australia and New Zealand to move on, with Argentina or a composite Pacific Island side as potential replacements.

"I can't speak on behalf of South Africa, but a partnership... if someone's not happy in a partnership, then obviously it's got to be dissolved.

"You've got to find a new way to move forward, and there's always been a really strong relationship between Australia and New Zealand," he said.

"If that was to happen, you'd be able to find something which would work and it would give opportunities to a lot of the Pacific Islanders, other teams... Argentina, who knows?"

Springboks coach Jake White's decision to rest the bulk of his first XV for the Tri-Nations clash against Australia in Sydney on Saturday has angered the Australian Rugby Union.

But Skinstad, who will captain the side, suggested that the Springbok "B-team", much derided on their arrival in Australia, had a point to prove.

"Personally, I think the Australian and New Zealand sides are now understanding how hard it's been to travel over the past 10 years or so and this is a chance for us to show real dominance," he said.