Australians worried about Super 14 proposal

Australian Super 14 teams are not happy with the thought of playing against weaker New Zealand teams in next year's competition.

Queensland Reds CEO Theo Psaros says they are very concerned at the news they are hearing and is hoping All Blacks coach Graham Henry does not get his wish to rest key players at the start of next year's competition.

Psaros says the Reds will be disappointed not to play the best players from New Zealand, and he is sure the other Australian teams and South African sides are feeling the same way.

Psaros suggests Henry may be going too far and is worried about the implications of trying to market a watered down competition.

He predicts fewer Australian fans will turn out to watch New Zealand games if players are rested en masse, and says it is all well and good to worry about players in a World Cup year, but believes the financial stability of rugby in both countries has to be considered.

He says it is all about the entertainment dollar, with ticket buyers wanting to see the best performing, and for them there is also a lot of competition with league and the AFL.

Psaros imagines Australians would be up in arms if the ARU was to suggest the same thing for the Wallabies.

The NZRU will sort out the contentious player resting issue tomorrow in Wellington with the five Super 14 teams.

New All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is leaving it to the experts, regarding the resting of All Blacks next year.

He points out it is only a proposal at this stage, and that those in charge will consider all the implications.

McCaw says he will be happy with either outcome.

He does say, however, that it is important the All Blacks are in the best shape for the World Cup, no matter what it takes.

- NEWSTALK ZB