6 Aug 2009

Wallabies say Deans late arrival is no issue

8:43 am on 6 August 2009

The late arrival in South Africa of coach Robbie Deans because of the death of his father had not affected the Wallabies' preparations for this weekend's Tri-Nations clash with the Springboks.

Deans didn't travel with the team to South Africa last Friday as he rushed to New Zealand to see his gravely ill father Tony, who died later that day.

Deans rejoined the team in South Africa this morning.

Assistant coach Jim Williams says it's been a little hiccup not having Robbie here, but the management and players have pulled together, they have a smooth routine in test week and not much has changed.

Australia have a poor record at Cape Town, having lost their last four matches, and six of nine, at Newlands.

Their last victory was in 1992 when they won 26-3 in South Africa's second game after their return from isolation due to apartheid.