Wallaby backline oils the machine
October 17, 2000

Southern Hemisphere referees in two of the three Tests have eased Wallaby concerns over criticism of their backline plays on the upcoming tour of Europe, but they are taking no chances.

The ACT Brumbies sparked plenty of debate during this year's Super 12 with some of their daring manoeuvres in the backline. The Wallabies then took a leaf out of the Brumbies' book with similar moves during their Tri-Nations triumph.

New Wallaby backs coach Glen Ella, who was part of the Brumbies coaching staff this year, said a few slight changes would be made to some moves to avoid any accusations of the use of decoy runners.

New Zealand referee Paul Honiss will control the Test against France on November 4, while South Africa's Andre Watson will control the game against England on November 18. England's Chris White will have the whistle for his first Wallaby Test in the game against Scotland on November 11.

"There is some discussions about decoy runners and possible obstruction which we're looking at," Ella told AAP. "We have to make some adjustments on what kinds of moves we call and we are shaping our game that way.

"But we're still positive - we're not going about changing everything."

The Wallabies continue to run several backline combinations as they look for a solution to the absence of the injured Stephen Larkham and George Gregan and the retirements of Tim Horan and Jason Little. Elton Flatley has been running at flyhalf, although Rod Kafer is yet to join the squad in Coffs Harbour, while Stirling Mortlock could be a surprise inclusion at inside-centre during the tour.

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