Australia take time to recover

Australia coach Rod Macqueen may be forced to name his side to face New Zealand only hours before the game on Saturday morning…

Australia coach Rod Macqueen may be forced to name his side to face New Zealand only hours before the game on Saturday morning because of the physical battering the Wallabies received against South Africa last weekend.

Centre Daniel Herbert (hamstring), winger Ben Tune (calf muscle) and prop Andrew Blades (Achilles) did not train yesterday as they battled to overcome injuries from the 29-15 defeat at Ellis Park.

The win gave the Springboks victory in the Tri-Nations series but Macqueen is confident his side can pull off the first clean sweep against the All Blacks in a series since 1929. "The All Blacks are always very physical. We've certainly got to take a step up in that area," said Macqueen.

In England, meanwhile, Lawrence Dallaglio has given his backing to the Professional Rugby-players Association (PRA) after the new body was launched yesterday.

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The formation of the PRA comes three years to the day after the game turned professional and it will largely supersede the Rugby Union Players Association, set up in the early days of professionalism.

Dallaglio Blessing For New Players Association

By Terry Cooper

PA Sport Rugby Union Correspondent

In England, meanwhile, Lawrence Dallaglio has given his backing to the Professional Rugbyplayers Association (PRA) after the new body was launched yesterday.

The formation of the PRA comes three years to the day after the game turned professional and it will largely supersede the Rugby Union Players Association, set up in the early days of professionalism.