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Caged Lions Fans will love indoor rugby, claims Burke
MELBOURNE (Reuters) -- Wallaby back Matthew Burke said Wednesday he was looking forward to playing in the Melbourne test against the British and Irish Lions under a closed roof, whether the Lions wanted to play indoors or not. "For me it's a novelty because I didn't play last year at Colonial Stadium when we played South Africa," Burke told reporters in Melbourne. "They're talking about closing the roof for Melbourne. Obviously if the weather's a bit inclement it might be the best thing to do. "Close the roof, absolutely. When the teams play good football, obviously the spectators enjoy it a lot more. "But then there's a bit of a blow-up I think from the other side of the world saying rugby should be played as it presents itself," said Burke. The Lions play three tests against Australia in Brisbane on June 30, in Melbourne on July 7 and in Sydney on July 14. The Wallabies were thwarted in their attempt to play the 1999 World Cup final indoors in Cardiff after their French opponents refused to shut the roof despite a week of heavy rain. Referring to last year's game against South Africa, Australian Rugby Union (ARU) managing director John O'Neill said: "Personally I thought it was a fantastic spectacle and the closure of the roof enhanced the game and the feedback from the players was very positive." ARU hopeful ARU spokesman Derek Nelson told Reuters on Wednesday they were hopeful that the Melbourne test would be played under a closed roof. "We believe that we do have the final say as host. The IRB (International Rugby Board) tends to encourage that both teams have to agree," he said. Nelson said the ARU hoped to quickly resolve the issue with the Lions management. Rugged Lions Some Australian rugby union figures, including former Wallaby great David Campese, have said they expect the Lions to play a rugged style of game similar to that which proved successful on their most recent tour of Australia in 1989. "Good luck to the forwards. I'm up the back," Burke said. "When you look back at that tour, I think it was in 89, I think it was quite violent, so to speak," Burke said. "I've seen footage of Nick Farr-Jones coming out bashed and bruised from that. You wouldn't expect anything less. I'm sure it will be as physical and as hard as possible. "Australia wouldn't go in any other way and I'm sure the Lions would be taking the same option." Burke added that the Lions would be counting on inspirational number eight Lawrence Dallaglio, the former England captain who is in some doubt with a knee injury. "I'm sure if he's carrying (an injury) a little bit, they'll nurse him through and make sure he plays," Burke said. "A guy like him, he's very influential in a pack. He's pretty big... His leadership goes a long way." The Lions leave Britain on June 2 and their opening match is against Western Australia in Perth on June 8.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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