By Chris Dutton
30 May 2018 — 2:43pm
An internal Australian rugby war threatens to erupt after the Wallabies asked the ACT Brumbies to rest three of their most high-profile players in the same week the Canberra club is trying to build crowd support.
The Wallabies have requested for David Pocock, Allan Alaalatoa and Scott Sio to be withdrawn from the Brumbies' clash against the Japan Sunwolves at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
But it's understood the Brumbies are refusing to budge, insisting they need to trio to help win the game and to entice fans to the match.
The Brumbies are the only Australian team that has been asked to rest players before the Wallabies' three-Test series against Ireland, which starts in Brisbane next week.
The Sunday afternoon timeslot for the game against the Sunwolves means the Brumbies' contingent won't arrive in Wallabies camp until Monday if they play in Canberra.
Confusion has been raised given the Wallabies will allow the Brumbies' other Test representatives, including Tevita Kuridrani, to play against the Sunwolves.
The timing couldn't be worse for the Brumbies, who have pledged to donate $15,000 to charity if they hit a crowd target of 15,000.
The request to rest players has been described as "in the national interest of Australian rugby", but it neglects the dire crowd situation in the capital.
The Brumbies have struggled to attract crowds to home games this season, resulting in just 5283 turning up to watch their game against the Melbourne Rebels three weeks ago.
It was the second lowest attendance in Brumbies history and average crowd numbers are in danger of being the lowest since the start of Super Rugby in 1996.
Pocock has played just three games in Canberra since 2016 after being granted an Australian rugby sabbatical last year.
The champion flanker is one of the Brumbies' biggest drawcards and most popular player in the squad. Losing him from the game-day entertainment would be crippling blow for the most successful club in Australia.
It's understood the Brumbies are fighting to have the trio available given they will be the only team affected.
The NSW Waratahs have been cleared to have their stars - Wallabies captain Michael Hooper, Israel Folau, Kurtley Beale and Bernard Foley - play against the Queensland Reds on Saturday night despite their big work loads this year.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 16
Sunday: ACT Brumbies v Japan Sunwolves at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm. Tickets available from Ticketek. Fans will be allowed on to the field after the game.
https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/rug...30-p4zihe.html