Former Australian assistant-coach Tim Lane says he will probably feel uncomfortable meeting with some of the Wallabies, but denies he is a traitor as the teams prepare for Saturday's Tri-Nations clash in Pretoria.

Lane was by Rod Macqueen's side as backs coach in recent years when the Wallabies took on all before them to claim the World Cup, the Tri-Nations series and several Bledisloe Cups. He left Australian rugby for a stint coaching in France at the end of last season before accepting an invitation to join the Springbok set-up from coach Harry Viljoen.

The Australian Rugby Union was not happy with a major competitor getting hold of such a high level of knowledge of the Wallabies. It has moved to ensure the situation does not happen again by possibly banning future coaches from working with rivals for two years after ending their association with the Wallabies.

"It won't be an easy or comfortable situation catching up with some of the (Wallaby) guys but that's the way it is," Lane said. "I've had a lot of phone calls this week from people in Australia wishing me all the best.

"I'm not unhappy with the decision to come here. It's a professional game and I thought the Springboks had terrific potential and it was a great opportunity.

"The ARU wouldn't have been happy with my decision and there would be people in Australia who don't understand it. But I'm here through until the World Cup. I'll have a couple of years break then and if my name is mud with Australian Rugby then so be it."

Lane doubted any amount of Wallaby secrets could help the Springboks who are desperate for victory after last week's 12-3 loss to the All Blacks.

"It doesn't matter how much information I give our guys because the team we're up against is the best in the world," Lane said. "These players play against each other so often with Super 12 and Tri Nations games that it comes down to decisions made on the paddock.

"The one thing we can talk about is how the Wallaby players are so adaptable on the field, and they're very smart players. But you still have to go out and make the tackles and control the ball."