Cheeky Regan sends Australia dipsy

His tongue-in-cheek remark, inspired by the collapsible Wallabies scrum during England's World Cup quarterfinal victory in Marseille last month, provoked reaction from ex-Australia hooker Michael Foley and New South Wales coach Ewen McKenzie.

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"If that's the perception of the Wallabies or the Wallaby scrum, then obviously it's annoying," said McKenzie.

"Being an ex- Wallaby, that p***** me off. We've got to get out there and get stuck in and work at it. I don't think it's something that'll take four years to fix."

Regan's dig, during a promotional lunch in Hong Kong, also angered Foley, Australia's forwards' coach.

"When a player makes disparaging remarks about the opposition, I think it reflects poorly on him, not us," he said.

"We under-performed and that pain will drive us on to get better. Every dog has his day."

However Regan was more concerned about solving the dispute over his selection to captain the Barbarians against South Africa at Twickenham on December 1.

Premier Rugby's ruling that none of their contracted professionals can appear because of clashes with domestic fixtures prompted Regan to ask the players' union for advice.

Leinster have withdrawn Brian O'Driscoll because of a clash with their match against Munster.