Wallabies caught short in buildup to Springbok test
The Wallabies have decided to change training grounds in South Africa after a visibly frustrated Michael Cheika was seen pacing out his own steps to measure the length of what was a shorter rugby field than normal.
Australia arrived for their first field session at Fourways High School in Sandton, about a 10-minute walk from the team’s hotel at the Montecasino complex, but quickly realised the field provided was not what they expected.
Wallabies support staff were aware the school rugby field might be shorter than normal – about 80 metres instead of 100 metres – but the expression on Cheika’s face at the start of the session indicated the situation was less than ideal.
As a result, the Wallabies have decided to move one of their sessions to another school rugby field; the same location nearby where they trained last year in preparation for their test in Pretoria.
They have also spoken about having their Thursday session at the new school rather than at the venue of yesterday’s hitout before departing for Bloemfontein for their captain’s run on Friday.
The Wallabies wanted to get their work done at the Fourways High School because it is more convenient to get to than the other school. Markers were set up near the dead ball lines to signify where a real sized field would come to.
While players were warming up for the session, Cheika was seen pacing around the field trying to ascertain whether the team would have to change base for the week.
There was some talk of moving the session and future trainings to another area at the school, but that has not come about because there was a turf cricket pitch in the centre of the oval.
The change of fields is unlikely to be a distraction for the Wallabies who will be aiming to become just the second Australian national team in 54 years to win at altitude when they take on the Springboks in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Wallabies winger Reece Hodge, who did not get a chance to test out his kicking range on the field, said it was not something he or team-mates were used to back home.
‘‘It was a little bit different, probably not what you expect,’’ Hodge said.
‘‘There’s nothing ever perfect on tour and you’re always adapting ... we’ll adjust to the field.’’