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CAPE TOWN - Wallaby coach John Connolly expects both Australia and South Africa to be at full strength when they meet in the opening Tri-Nations test on Sunday NZ time).
After three weeks of under-strength northern hemisphere teams touring Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, test rugby returns with full force.
"No doubt there has been a fair amount of shadow boxing in the first few tests of the year, and even the November tours last year because coaches are aware that you need depth in the squad for the World Cup," Connolly said on Monday.
"But we will be paying respect to the test matches. I think both teams will put out what they think is close to their best team on weekend. In many cases the selections of players are 50-50 anyway."
Australia recently completed a 2-0 series victory over an under-strength Wales while the Springboks thrashed a depleted England 2-0.
Australia have not won in South Africa since 2000 and Connolly said the country's poor provincial form in the Super 14 was a problem.
"We want our teams to win, there is no point in practicing losing because that affects confidence," he said.
"The two major unions in Australia, NSW and Queensland, finished at the wrong end of the table so we are concerned. But I think when we pick our best XV then we're very competitive."
- REUTERS
