Irish attack win bonuses

The debate about rugby union's march towards professionalism continued yesterday, when Mike Brewer, the highly respected New Zealand forward, reacted to comments made in a South African newspaper by Syd Millar, vice- president of the Irish Rugby Union.

Millar was critical of the South African Breweries' attempt to offer the Springbok team fund a payment of pounds 20,000 for beating Australia in today's opening match in Cape Town.

"This cannot be considered a gift, but direct payment for winning," Millar said. However, Brewer said he would welcome professional rewards: "I read Syd Millar's comments, but I think it is not a time to try to be hanging on to amateurism."

The Ireland RU president, Ken Reid, yesterday also criticised win bonuses, saying: "Rugby is a highly physical game and a victory bonus might drive players over the top."