Wallabies confirm next year's tour
December 6, 2001

The Australian Rugby Union has confirmed the Wallabies' commitment to touring Europe at the end of next season, amid concerns from New Zealand about player fatigue in the build-up to the 2003 World Cup.

New Zealand coach John Mitchell wants the All Blacks' end-of-season tour to Britain and France cancelled in order to rest players for the World Cup.

But the ARU will press ahead with the proposed Wallaby tour to England, Ireland and Italy.

"It's one of those contemporary dilemmas every country is facing, including ourselves," ARU official Jeff Miller told The Australian.

"We have to balance our global and commercial responsibilities against giving players time to recuperate to be at their best in the World Cup.

"We'd like to have an off-season to allow the players to rejuvenate. We are looking at ways of doing that while still touring."

Asked whether the ARU would consider resting key players on the European tour, Miller said: "It's too early to comment on that."

After beating the British and Irish Lions, then winning the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup, the touring Wallabies lost to England and France before recording an unimpressive win against Wales.

"We aren't making any excuses, but there was mental fatigue," Miller said. "It's difficult to be up all year round. When you look at what we achieved last season, we didn't think in our wildest dreams we could do it all.

"There has to be a letdown at some stage. There was no doubting the players' effort, but sometimes you need more than just effort."

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