THE Wallabies will use Rocky Elsom's controversial suspension as motivation in their bid to be the first Australian team for 45 years to win two Tests in a row in South Africa when they meet the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Wallabies squad was astounded after Elsom was handed a one-match suspension for what was deemed dangerous play when he pulled down Boks skipper Victor Matfield at a lineout in the second half of last Saturday's victory in Durban.

Last night the Wallabies team management decided to appeal against Elsom's ban. The hearing will be held by teleconference on Thursday night (Sydney time). The anouncement of the team will be delayed until the outcome of the appeal is known.

Several Wallabies players said they could not believe Elsom was suspended for an action that occurred regularly during matches, while arguing that there were several more dangerous incidents during last weekend's Test that should have led to citings.

However, several players told the Herald privately that the decision to suspend Elsom could work as a prime motivator.

Utility forward Hugh McMeniman, who missed the Durban Test with a virus, went further by saying that Elsom's ban will also act as a reminder to players to be very careful about what they get up to at the lineout.

"It's real disappointing that Rocky is taking a week off like that, but we'll just have to deal with that," McMeniman said.

"I think it's a big shock for all of us. But with that ruling, it sets a precedent now, so there will be nothing of the sort in bringing down lineouts like that. Even though it wasn't a really bad one, it sets a precedent."

The official statement from SANZAR disciplinary officer, Nick Davidson from New Zealand, did little to persuade anyone that the right decision had been made.

Davidson explained that the touch judge Bryce Lawrence "had a clear view of the incident and while recognising the admitted illegal interference with Matfield by Elsom, he quite distinctly assessed it as carrying insufficient risk to merit more than a penalty, as he reported to referee Lyndon Bray".

Video coverage showed that Elsom, who was jumping in the lineout, used two hands to "pull down" Matfield, "rotating him sideways and off-balance". Matfield landed on his feet and fell awkwardly across Elsom.

Davidson admitted that the "incident was contributed to when Elsom lost the support of his lifter".

However, Davidson argued that "interference of this kind carries real danger and a sanction is required".

"Matfield gave telephonic evidence that he suffered an injury in the incident but completed the game without impediment. Any injury appeared minor and did not influence the decision," Davidson said.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans now has the problem of working out the best way to overcome the absence of Elsom, who was training in the back row during a practice session on the Durban coast when the management was informed of his suspension.

Deans said Elsom's unavailability "obviously does affect the mix, and not just the starting team but the bench as well. There's a bit to think about".

Elsom was running in the blindside flanker position during his last training session, but Dean Mumm and McMeniman also played major roles in the lineout work. While Nathan Sharpe was involved after arriving from Perth on Monday night, he was primarily used in the defensive lineout.

As Sharpe was originally overlooked for the touring squad - a situation that clearly distressed the Western Force captain, since he still does not want to talk to the touring media about it - there is a very strong case for McMeniman and Mumm to be made part of the starting XV, with the veteran lock instead coming off the bench. Mumm excelled when he came on as a replacement for Dan Vickerman in Durban, and slotted straight in, being instrumental in the calling of the defensive lineouts. The Wallabies' lineout performance was first-class, winning several South African throws.

Deans also likes McMeniman's courage, which should see him take over Elsom's blindside flanker spot when the Test team is announced later today.