RUPA boss Justin Harrison added: Rugby Australia and RUPA will continue to work constructively to maintain player welfare as a priority and we now look forward to what promises to be a thrilling Test series against France.
Wallabies halfback Nick Farr-Jones in action during Australia’s last Test at the SCG in 1986. Credit:Fairfax Media
Meanwhile, Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has refused to pick a winner for Saturdays Super Rugby AU decider but said it was the perfect time for players to show their worth.
Rennie, speaking to reporters on the Gold Coast on Thursday, was happy to sit on the fence when asked what his tip was for the big game between the Queensland Reds and Brumbies.
The Reds have won both outings against the Brumbies this year by two points.
Im not going to pick a winner because Ill get shot by someone, Rennie said. The Brumbies have been fast starters in both those games and the Reds have clawed their way back and only really taken the lead in the dying moments. Id say the Reds will want to start fast and the Brumbies will want a strong finish.
We invited 40 guys into [Wallabies] camp and there is about 26 from those two sides. Theyve been dominant. It should be a doozy.
There are a lot of spots that are really competitive. No better time to make a statement than in a final I reckon.
The match will be the first of the Super Rugby AU season shown on Nines main channel. A crowd of 40,000 is expected at Suncorp Stadium.
Super Rugby officials will be keeping a close eye on New Zealand border restrictions after news on Thursday that flights from NSW would be suspended for two days.
With Super Rugby Trans-Tasman set to kick off next Friday, there could be major ramifications for the competition if quarantine-free travel is not allowed.
Flights from NSW have been suspended for 48 hours until 11.59pm on Saturday.
The New Zealand government will make a call in coming days whether that ban is extended.
The Waratahs have their first match against the Hurricanes at the SCG next Friday and Rennie is intrigued to see how Australian teams fare.
Thatll give us a good indication of where were at and the shifts we need to make prior to Bledisloe Cup games, Rennie said. Its going to be tough. The Kiwi sides have got five good teams. That gives you an idea of the sort of intensity that is going to be required when we start playing Test footy.
Meanwhile, Brad Thorn says back row cohesion and James OConnors excellent leadership prompted him to leave regular skipper Liam Wright on the bench for Saturdays decider.
Wright has been injured for most of the year and led the Reds in their loss to the Force but has been relieved of duties for the biggest game of the season.
Hed like to have the starting jersey on his back but hes a great team man, Thorn said.
He was late to come in and the back row have been doing it all season. James had been doing a good job leading the side, so it just made sense.
The Melbourne Rebels also announced on Thursday the re-signing of promising second-rower Trevor Hosea on a two-year deal that runs until the 2023 World Cup.
Wallabies Tests vs France
- First Test: Wednesday, July 7, 8pm AEST at Sydney Cricket Ground
- Second Test: Tuesday, July 13, 8pm AEST at AAMI Park, Melbourne
- Third Test: Saturday, July 17, 8pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane