Marshall hits out at expansion plan

New Zealand star Justin Marshall has warned that the proposed expansion of the Tri-Nations and Super 12 competitions will lead to player burn-out.

From 2006, SANZAR officials are planning to bring in two more sides in order to create a Super 14, and attach two extra Tests to each team's Tri-Nations schedule.

But the All Blacks' veteran scrum-half doubts whether bigger is actually better.

"The top players need more balance," Marshall told New Zealand's TV3 news.

"I've played Australia and South Africa 17 or 18 times already and now they're going to make us play them three times every season. It can be physically and mentally draining.

"I love playing for the All Blacks - but it's pretty tough going, and it's now going to get tougher."