Wallaby coach Eddie Jones has moved to deny rumours that a former team-mate of his, Damien Holden, was sent to spy on the Springboks training.

Australia take on South Africa in Perth on Saturday in a crucial Tri Nations clash. Holden was spotted in a Perth car park watching the Springboks train and made a hasty exit when spotted by Springbok officials and so began the 'spying' allegations.

Holden denies he was using a video camera and working on behalf of the Wallaby coaching staff.

Attempting to quell the situation, Eddie Jones admitted he had played with Holden in Sydney for Randwick twenty years ago but had in no way encouraged him to gather information on their Tri Nations opponents.

Investigations by The Australian revealed that Holden, Jones, Wallaby assistant coach Glen Ella and the Springboks assistant coach, former Australian utility back Tim Lane are linked by the Randwick club.

Holden and Jones played together in the colts in the late 1970s, when Lane was in the senior ranks at the world-famous club along with Ella.

Jones commented to the newspaper, "I don't know anything about this (Springbok training controversy), but from a general standpoint, though, when you've got open sessions, people do come along and watch and take notes.

"It happens with us all the time (in the Wallaby camp and previously with the ACT Brumbies Super 12 side). If you don't want people at your sessions, have closed sessions."

When contacted by newspaper, Holden commented, "I'm the most hated man in South Africa, they tell me. But while I do confirm I was there watching the training session, I certainly did not video it. And I was there watching for my own benefit, not for anyone else.

"I will be catching up with Glen Ella tonight for a beer but, no, I was not spying on the Boks for anyone. These blokes are just trying whip up a bit of hysteria after Tim Lane caught on to the name."