Wallabies just here to

It was a grumpy Wallaby management that faced up to the South African rugby media at Durban Airport on Sunday night ahead of Saturday's final Tri-Nations clash of 2002 in Johannesburg.

Perhaps it was the long flight, maybe it was the perception that South Africa have been driving a campaign against Ben Tune, who is to face a hearing Monday into the discovery of a banned substance in his blood during a routine test in last year's Super 12. Whatever it was, there appeared to be a definite edge to Aussies as they fielded questions.

What did coach Eddie Jones think of the ABSA Stadium match between the Springboks and the All Blacks? "It was an excellent game." When asked to elaborate, he responded that both teams "played excellent rugby".

What do they intend to get out of Saturday's game and what do they think of the Ellis Park venue? "We are here to play well". How many points do they need to beat South Africa by to win the Tri-Nations? "We are not worried about that. We just want to play well." There appears to be some confusion about how many points the Wallabies need to win by.

Most critics say that they need 26 points, but an ARU press release on Sunday said they needed 25. Either way, the Aussies face a huge task as Ellis Park has tended to be an intimidating venue for overseas teams.

Skipper George Gregan, asked just one question at the end of the conference, fixed the questioner with a glare which suggested the Aussies are not here to make friends and influence people. This will be a match where they take no prisoners.

Jones had a steely edge to his voice when asked what he thought of the Bok pack's performance against the All Blacks in light of his own view (published on an overseas website) that the Kiwis could give the Boks a "belting" at forward. "Those were not my words and they were not my comments. I never said that and won't be drawn into responding to that line of questioning," said Jones.

He then said that if people wanted to know where the story came from they should ask the Durban rugby writer who had written it. When told it was on an overseas website, he responded: "Must have been a good website". As far as can be ascertained, the Wallabies have no late injury worries, apart from prop Patricio Noriega, who withdrew from the side before departure. The Wallabies will name their side on Wednesday. Although they face a tall order if they hope to improve their points difference enough to pip the All Blacks in the race for the Tri-Nations trophy, the mood of the main players indicates a determination and a focus which is almost intimidating.

It also appears there will be no lack of spice to the Ellis Park clash. Bok coach Rudolf Straeuli and Jones had much to say in the media building up the recent Brisbane game and judging from the airport arrival there definitely is no immediate prospect of the hand of friendship being extended.