Rugby's SANZAR board will vote on Wednesday whether Melbourne or Port Elizabeth will be awarded Super rugby's 15th licence, but the matter looks headed for arbitration.

The Australian and South African rugby union governing bodies will present their cases at a SANZAR board meeting in Brisbane on Wednesday, with Melbourne's Rebels or South Africa's Southern Kings vying to join the competition in 2011.

SANZAR voting protocols mean the Australian, South African and New Zealand unions must come to a unanimous decision, and if that can not be reached, it will go to arbitration.

A deadlock seems likely with South Africa rallying behind the inception of the Kings just as fiercely as Australia are backing the Rebels.

South Africa have reportedly rejected a Kiwi proposal the licence be awarded on a majority vote at the SANZAR meeting.

Melbourne are considered the frontrunners for the licence, but are reportedly unsure whether South Africa will back down on claims for the Kings to join the Australian conference.

If the licence is awarded to South Africa, 40 Australian home games will be cut by eight to 32, which is considered to be a less attractive option to broadcasters, who are keen to tap into the lucrative Melbourne sporting market.

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