Overview
- Speaking on the DSPN podcast, the former Wallabies fullback argued Australian players are less prepared for top-level collisions since South African franchises left Super Rugby.
- He described the missing elements as the week-to-week 'muscling up', hostile tours and fanatical crowds that once hardened Australian sides.
- South Africa’s Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions moved to the United Rugby Championship after the Covid-hit 2020 season, leaving Super Rugby Pacific more domestic.
- Burke suggested arranging more fixtures against South African teams as a practical remedy, with no official moves yet reported to alter competition structures.
- His comments echo past critiques from former All Blacks Israel Dagg and Murray Mexted and arrive after a difficult 2025 for Australia, including a winless European tour and 10 defeats under Joe Schmidt.