Stunned Wallabies officials will appeal the severity of Rocky Elsom's punishment for pulling down Springboks skipper Victor Matfield in a lineout, believing it has set a big precedent for a minor offence.
Elsom was suspended for a week after a delayed decision by SANZAR disciplinary officer, New Zealander Nick Davidson QC, for the incident which drew only a penalty from referee Lyndon Bray early in the second half of Australia's 27-15 breakthrough win in Durban.
Team officials confirmed yesterday they would appeal against the severity of Elsom's ban, although the chances of success are historically low.
The appeal will be heard today at 8pm by three SANZAR officials in a telephone hook-up.
Coach Robbie Deans will delay the announcement of his team for Saturday's Tri Nations Test in Johannesburg until later today.
If Elsom is rubbed out, one of the contenders to replace him in the No6 jersey, Hugh McMeniman, said the Australian players had been surprised at the punishment.
''I think it's a bit shocking for all of us because with that ruling it sets a precedent now,'' McMeniman said.
''I guess there'll be nothing of the sort, bringing down lineouts like that. Even though it wasn't a real bad one it sets a precedent now.''
Davidson said in his ruling that ''any interference of this kind carries real danger and a sanction is required'', although Matfield's evidence included the fact he had not suffered any serious injury.
It will now be up to the Wallabies' last men standing to overcome a massive historical hurdle when they take on the Springboks at Ellis Park.
Elsom's suspension would come on top of shoulder injuries to Dan Vickerman and Berrick Barnes as well as a nasty illness that has shed 2kg from McMeniman's playing weight. Forward reinforcement Nathan Sharpe is also battling jetlag after his late arrival.
Deans will name a team that he hopes will be able to put those setbacks behind it and conjure up the Wallabies' first win at the 1700m altitude of Johannesburg in 45 years.
And he'll probably need the luckless McMeniman, who missed last Saturday's match with an illness that ended up lasting three days.
''I've lost a couple of kilos so I've just got to get that back on before the weekend,'' he said.
''It's like one of the things that could only happen to me.''
The big Queenslander said team medical staff had been baffled by the bout of vomiting which began on Friday night.
''It could have been picked up from my hands, something I picked up, food, anything so all we know is it was a pretty bad case to keep me out for that game which was real disappointing,'' he said.
McMeniman, Sharpe and Dean Mumm are vying to fill Elsom's blindside flanker position and Vickerman's place at lock, with the other likely to sit on the bench. The only other back-row cover Deans has in his squad is uncapped Western Force loose forward Richard Brown.
In the backs, flyhalf Matt Giteau is disappointed his burgeoning combination with the playmaking Barnes won't continue, but is confident league convert Timana Tahu or skipper Stirling Mortlock can play a similar role.
''I think whether they bring Stirling into inside centre or Timana, they've both got the ability to ball-play,'' Giteau said. ''It's more just getting your head around it, that you've got to ball-play more instead of being those runners.'' AAP
SATURDAY
Tri Nations: South Africa v Australia at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, 11pm. TV Time: Live on Fox Sports1.
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