That includes closure of its Girgarre factory (New South Wales) and downsizing of its factories in Northgate (Brisbane), and Wagga Wagga (New South Wales).

FORBES: Connect

The bad weather is forecast to move towards the state capital, Brisbane, and the state of New South Wales.

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In the past four years he has cycled from Boston to Chicago in the US, the length of South Island, New Zealand, and Adelaide to Brisbane in Australia.

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However, this time around the tourists have three first-class matches - with South Australia and Australia A still to come - before the first Test begins in Brisbane on 25 November.

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Crowe, though, believes South Sydney are in the driving seat for the signature of Burgess following their capture of Brisbane Broncos prop David Taylor for next season.

BBC: Crowe confident of luring Burgess

The Surrey left-hander came back from a similar slump in the build-up to last year's tour of Australia to hit 116 at Brisbane but doubts remain over his suitability to open the attack when England meet South Africa in the First Test.

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Schalk Burger reduced the deficit with a late try, converted by Steyn, but it was little comfort in a comprehensive defeat and South Africa will be glad to see the back of the All Blacks as they head to Brisbane.

BBC: Tri-Nations: New Zealand 31-17 South Africa