Sailor and Rogers set for 'A' role
May 14, 2002

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones says league converts Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers are "every chance" to play for Australia A against Canada early next month.

Speaking at Colonial Stadium to promote the first of a two-Test series at the venue against France later in June, Jones admitted the pair were under consideration for the Canadian fixture, but wouldn't reveal how close they are to playing for the Wallabies.

"I could give you a scoop here but I won't," Jones. "Both of them have had very positive Super 12s and guys who've done well in the Super 12 are every chance of being selected in Australia A.

"We're very happy with the way they've performed. Mat's adaption to rugby has been pretty quick. He's certainly probably flattened out in the past two weeks. But Saturday will be a good test for him. We've also been very impressed with the way Wendell's progressed."

Selectors will name their line-up for he Australia A game on May 27, followed soon after the match against Canada by an announcement of the team to take on France in the first Test.

While in the middle of last year Australia was rated as probably the leading team in the world, losses to England and France on the end of season tour to Europe have muddied the waters.

"There's five sides up there - any of which can win on any given day," Jones said. "You've got England, France, New Zealand, South Africa and ourselves. I don't think there's any standout side particularly.

"The difference between the sides is absolutely marginal. Over the next 18 months, it's the sides that improve the most that are the sides that are ultimately going to be victorious in the World Cup."

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