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Bring best or don't bother, says ARU
By Peter Jenkins
July 26, 2007
THE AUSTRALIAN Rugby Union has threatened to cancel a two-Test tour by France next year unless the European champion guarantees to send a full-strength squad.
ARU chief executive John O'Neill warned last night the invitation to France might be withdrawn and New Zealand invited to make a five-match visit that would include matches against New South Wales and Queensland in the Tri-Nations countdown.
"That is a genuine option," O'Neill said, who panned Wales and South Africa for bringing weakened sides to Australia this year.
"And we are struggling with France because their club competition, after the World Cup, has been moved back. The final is on June 28, the same day as one of the Tests against the Wallabies here. We were assured by the IRB that would not happen."
O'Neill said with the All Blacks playing two Bledisloe Cup Tests in Australia next year as part of the expanded three-round Tri-Nations series, they could also play feature matches to build a traditional tour atmosphere.
Under an existing broadcasting agreement, the Wallabies must play five Tests at home each year. One against Ireland, one against South Africa and two against New Zealand next season would leave the ARU one short if France was told to stay away.
"You may be able to argue that the All Blacks against the Reds and the Waratahs would satisfy that requirement and provide better and more meaningful contests," O'Neill added. (How about another PI Test?)
He also confirmed a Test against the All Blacks in Hong Kong next year, on the way to Europe in November, was an "80 per cent" chance.