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Monday, 22 July, 2002, 10:10 GMT 11:10 UK
Straeuli issues Tune rap
Springboks scrum-half Johannes Conradie fires out a pass during his side's defeat to New Zealand
South Africa competed well in Wellington
South Africa coach Rudi Straeuli has returned fire on Australia by insisting the pressure is all on the Tri-Nations holders ahead of their meeting in Brisbane on Saturday.

Straeuli was responding to comments from Wallaby wing Ben Tune, who declared himself unimpressed by the skills on display during the Springboks' 41-20 defeat by New Zealand.


Australia flanker Owen Finegan also alluded to the second Bledisloe Cup encounter in Sydney on 3 August as being the pivotal encounter in this year's Tri-Nations series.

"Owen Finegan said when New Zealand comes back to Sydney they'll be playing for the Bledisloe Cup and the Tri Nations series," Straeuli noted.


Basically they have a lot of options - too many options in the backline
Rudi Straeuli on Australia

"Ben Tune was quite sure that we weren't a force to be reckoned with. We're not taking any notice of that.

"They (Australia) are also under pressure. (Coach) Eddie Jones has a hard act to follow in Rod Macqueen.

"We've got no pressure. We're going out there to play and they've still got to come to South Africa."

Straeuli also entered the debate over Australia's recent policy of recruiting high-profile rugby league players.

Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers are both in an extended Wallabies squad for Saturday's match, while Lote Tuqiri has agreed to switch codes next season.

"They're buying a lot of league players so they do run a lot of angles and basically they have a lot of options - too many options in the backline," Straeuli said.

Australia wing Ben Tune fends off a tackle from New Zealand's Justin Marshall
Tune's comments have riled the Springboks camp

"That might become a problem along the line for them.

"In rugby union, where do you go? Do you play league and then get brought over?"

Straeuli is pondering "one or two" positional changes after South Africa's five-tries-to-two defeat in Wellington.

Centre De Wet Barry should be available for selection after X-rays cleared him of a fractured eye socket.

Former rugby league international Les Kiss will oversee their defensive tactics this week, joining fellow Australian Tim Lane on the Springboks coaching staff.

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