DURBAN: The Wallabies say they are shocked at the severity of Rocky Elsom’s punishment for pulling down Springboks skipper Victor Matfield in a lineout, believing it has set a big precedent for a minor offence.

Elsom was suspended for a week after a delayed decision by SANZAR disciplinary officer, New Zealander Nick Davidson QC, for the incident which drew only a penalty from referee Lyndon Bray early in the second half of Australia’s 27-15 breakthrough win in Durban.

Wallabies officials are likely to appeal against the severity of Elsom’s ban, although the chances of success are historically low.

An appeal would be heard today by three SANZAR officials in a telephone hook-up.

South Africa is also considering an appeal against the four-week ban on prop CJ van der Linde for careering into a ruck and collecting Wallabies halfback Sam Cordingley with his head.

One of the contenders to replace Elsom in the No.6 jersey, Hugh McMeniman, said the Australian players had been surprised at the punishment.

“I think it’s a bit shocking for all of us because with that ruling it sets a precedent now,” McMeniman told reporters.

“I guess there’ll be nothing of the sort, bringing down lineouts like that.

“Even though it wasn’t a real bad one it sets a precedent now.”

Davidson said in his ruling that “any interference of this kind carries real danger and a sanction is required”, although Matfield’s evidence included the fact he had not suffered any serious injury.

It will now be up to the Wallabies’ last men standing to overcome a massive historical hurdle when they take on the Springboks again in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Elsom’s suspension comes on top of shoulder injuries to Dan Vickerman and Berrick Barnes, a nasty illness that has shed two kilograms from McMeniman’s playing weight and reinforcement Nathan Sharpe’s battle against jetlag after his late arrival.

Coach Robbie Deans will name a team today that he hopes will be able to put those setbacks behind it and conjure up Australia’s first win in 45 years at the 1700m altitude of Ellis Park.

And he’ll probably need the luckless McMeniman, who missed last Saturday’s match with an illness that ended up lasting three days.

“I’ve lost a couple of kilos so I’ve just got to get that back on before the weekend,” he said.

“It’s like one of the things that could only happen to me.”

The big Queenslander said team medical staff had been baffled by the bout of vomiting which began on Friday night.