Wallabies prop Ben Alexander believes there is more pressure on Australia to play entertaining rugby than other nations because of the presence of the AFL and NRL.
Speaking in Perth this morning before Saturday night's Tri-Nations clash against South Africa at Subiaco Oval, Alexander said the sporting public in Australia was more discerning because they had a wider choice of sport to watch.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said rugby was in danger of becoming boring before his side's dramatic 19-18 victory over the Wallabies on the weekend, citing the number of games decided on penalties - especially after the international rugby chiefs did away with most of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) designed to make the sport more open.

"The Australian sporting public love their sport and love entertainment, while fans in France and England love a rolling maul or tighthead scrum or something, that's just how it is," Alexander said.

"They're not exposed to rugby league and AFL."

But while Alexander would love to see side running the ball, he said winning would always come first.

"Everyone would like to see tries but the priority is to win games. You've got to take three points if you've got the chance because winning is more important."
Alexander also dismissed the notion that the Saturday's clash against the Springboks is meaningless for the Wallabies, who have lost their first three games in this year's Tri-Nations.

"It's not dead rubber at all - if we win our last three and other results go our way, with the bonus points, we are still a chance to take the title," said Alexander, who said the Aussies would also be have one eye on retaining the Mandela Cup against the South Africans.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...-to-entertain/