Swimming is, of course, just not cricket

Put a few South Africans and Australians in the same room right now and the result wouldn't be pretty.

There's the frequent bustups between the Springboks and Wallabies, who just don't like each other, to Graeme Smith and Ricky Ponting's cricket teams in the republic - who would dearly like to poke each other with something sharp in an uncomfortable place - and now the respective swimming squads at the Commonwealth Games.

The swim programme starts today and there's an undeniable edge with the cricket battles helping set the tone.

South African aces Roland Schoeman and Ryk Neethling said that it was their country's goal to beat Australia in swimming. No, make that in every sporting contest going around.

"Nobody wants to lose to South Africa, no one wants to lose to Australia," Schoeman said.

Schoeman and Neethling were part of the world record setting 4 x 100m freestyle relay team at the Athens Olympics two years ago.

Schoeman hoped his teammates drew inspiration from the staggering run-soaked final one-day cricket win over the Australians a few days ago.

"I haven't spoken to [Smith] personally but I say to him "atta boy".

Neethling said some of the chatter stems from the fact Australia has never lost a Commonwealth Games relay - "so we'll see [tonight]".

Neethling tipped South Africa to set a fresh world mark against an Ian Thorpe-less Australia in the race which will end the first night.

It all adds spice to a programme Australia are expected to dominate, particularly the women's events.

South African head coach Dirk Lange has gone even further than former Olympic champion Duncan Armstrong's remarkable tip that the Australian women will win all 19 women's golds. Lange reckons they could win all 57 gold, silver and bronze. It all sounds a bit silly, and you'd suspect Lange is a leg-puller. After all, the Australians lap up any praise of their swimmers.

But keep an eye out for the odd sly dig at the finishing touch tonight - and be absolutely sure the word cricket will pass someone's lips.