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http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...06/1997608.htm
Australia are roughing it in a self-styled 'boot camp' monitored by former SAS commandos to prepare for next month's rugby union World Cup in France.
The Wallabies are emulating Australia's cricketers - who went into camp before last summer's 5-0 Ashes sweep of England - to bond over five days south of Brisbane.
They are being guided by a group of former SAS commandos and other ex-servicemen in a camp where food and sleep deprivation, tough hikes and other outdoor activities toughen them over five days.
On Sunday's first night out, the players were forced to leave camp at 10:00 to be taken on a three-kilometre march before swimming 300 metres across a lake in chilly temperatures.
All but three players from the 30-man World Cup squad are taking part, with only forwards Guy Shepherdson (knee), Wycliff Palu (shoulder) and David Lyons (leg blood clot) excused with injuries.
Most of the Wallabies' support staff are also taking part, but head coach John Connolly and team manager Phil Thomson are observers.
"In Australia's rugby history there has been great spirit in our sides and these four or five days will go a long way to building that," Connolly told reporters.
"It's not the preseason, but we haven't made it easy either."
The Wallabies were scheduled to abseil down some cliffs later today before another long hike.
-AFP