Flabbergasted former Wallabies captain and selector Andrew Slack can’t fathom why Matt Giteau is set to be a controversial omission from Australia’s World Cup squad.
Giteau was the Wallabies’ highest-paid player and star playmaker until last year but coach Robbie Deans will controversially overlook the 28-year-old when he announces his 30-man Cup squad on Thursday.
This is despite the 92-Test stalwart being able to cover three positions, including halfback where Deans is expected to include rookie Nick Phipps as a third specialist No.9 behind general Will Genia and back-up Luke Burgess.
The widespread understanding that NSW playmaker Berrick Barnes would pip Giteau for the last backline place in the squad was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon when the France-bound back posted a leading comment on his Twitter account.
“Thank u ballboys, thank u linesman! That’s it”, Giteau tweeted.
He later confirmed his non-selection with another tweet.
“Really wanna thank everyone for the support! Was a huge honour to get the chance to represent my country as often as I did. veryprivileged”
It means Deans has shown full faith in Barnes standing up as the only specialist playmaker to back up incumbent Quade Cooper, just four club matches back from the concussion problems which have clouded his career.
He is highly regarded by Deans, who appointed him vice-captain ahead of the 2009 spring tour before Barnes withdrew through injury.
Giteau was the man overlooked for the role at the time and his unhappiness showed.
That reaction, as well as a failure to close out several close losses as playmaker and goalkicker in 2009-10, seem to have cost him dearly.
But Slack, who led Australia to their historic 1984 Grand Slam success in the United Kingdom, didn’t see Giteau as out of form or a destabilising influence, and deserved selection.
If there had been a genuine fall-out between Deans and Giteau, the 39-Test centre said the pair needed to man up and mend their bridges.
“From outside the team environment, I can’t see any reason why he wouldn’t be picked,” Slack told AAP.
“I know Giteau was close to being the Australian captain for the 2007 World Cup but it’s just got me flabbergasted.
“They’re only scuttlebutt/rumours but, if they don’t get on, one of them needs to grow up, or both of them. If that is the issue, then that’s a real shame because at the end of the day, the only people who end up paying for that is everyone else.
“Talent, experience, class, versatility and healthy (match fit) – they’re five compelling factors I would have thought.”
Barnes is among six players with question marks over their fitness, and Slack felt Giteau was a much safer bet as a back-up to X-factor Cooper.
“The other thing I think is the big seller is this third halfback; when you pick a specialist third halfback (like Phipps) when you’ve got a Giteau … is just crazy,” he said.
Giteau’s close friend Drew Mitchell – who’d suffered an ankle injury during the Super Rugby season – indicated through Twitter that he’d been selected but the winger was feeling sorry for his mate.
“The song of the day is Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve,” he tweeted.
Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau (knee), prop James Slipper (ankle) and centre Rob Horne (elbow) are all expected to join Mitchell in the squad after undergoing fitness testing on Wednesday but No.8 Wycliff Palu (shoulder) is in doubt.
Reactivated Radike Samo may sneak in ahead of Palu while veteran lock Dan Vickerman is also crossing his fingers.
Possible World Cup squad: Backs – Kurtley Beale, James O’Connor, Drew Mitchell, Digby Ioane, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Pat McCabe, Anthony Faingaa, Berrick Barnes, Quade Cooper, Nick Phipps, Luke Burgess, Will Genia.
Forwards – Ben McCalman, Radike Samo, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Rocky Elsom (capt), Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Ben Alexander, Sekope Kepu, James Slipper, Ben Daley, Stephen Moore, Saia Faingaa, Tatafu Polota-Nau.
niwdEyaJ
Guest
I'd personally have Giteau in there over Horne or Phipps - he has the experience and I think would add more value than the other two mentioned. My only concern would be his attitude which I really can't comment on as I'm not that close to the team... the only "evidence" I have of his poor attitude is his actions against the Reds where he told Stephen Moore to "F*ck off, I'm captain, It's my decision". To put things in context, it was nearing the end of the S15 season, Reds were in the top 4 and scrambling for points to secure home finals. Brumbies pulled off a miraculous win under the circumstances and were given a penalty on full-time that would have denied the Reds a bonus point for losing by <7points. Moore suggested they kick for touch and at least "gift" the Reds a bonus point as the Brumbies had absolutely nothing to gain at this point in the game/season. Giteau thought otherwise and booted the 3 points that denied the Reds a bonus point. As it turns out, the Reds finished top of the table and the rest is history but it could have been a totally different story... I'm not saying S15 teams should "collude" to get into finals but in these circumstances, Moore was clearly thinking about the bigger team (the wallabies) and knew that a successful Reds team would translate to a greater wallabies side and that is more important than rubbing your fellow (wallaby) team-mates' nose in it. Maybe that's why he's not in the Wallabies' squad?
Seiran
Roar Guru
I think how everyone is writing off Gtieau for posting his exit on twitter is well out of form. If these same people writing him off were really, and I mean really hoping for a once in a life time promotion at their work, and then got over looked they wouldn't keep it to themselves. They'd be utterly disapointed, probably pee'd off, and they'd let everyone know. So why shouldn't he? If he is contractually obligated to not tell anyone, that is a different story. But I will bet my bottom dollar this is not a stipulation in his contract. Good luck in Europe Giteau. I think you'll be missed by the Wallabies when your defence and style of play will be needed to shut down the end of the big games.
FRugby
Guest
When pathetically announcing and justifying Deans new contract the ARU stated that when he was signed in 2008 Aust were ranked 5, and now they are ranked 2. The Wallabies need to make the final to be genuinely able to say they had a great RWC campaign.
Baybum
Guest
So what is a realistic success mark for the wallabies in 2011? IMHO it is winning the 3/4th place playoff -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Jimbo
Guest
I actually thought that Moore was just as much out of line as Giteau in that instance. To openly undermine your Captain on the field, regardless of how big a prick he is, was a massive no-no IMHO. I would have blown up too. Then again... the only time I was captain was the under 11's and I would have tapped and given it to my 6 foot Tongan fullback :)
Mals
Guest
JB - I don't think either Turner or Davies will be selected. The only specialist wingers will be Drew & Digby with O'Connor covering wing & as well as nearly every other backline position. Samo should be there ahead of Palu. I think it is unnecessary to have 3 specialist half backs selected, that is why I thought Giteau would be the last man chosen ahead of Phipps. If Horne & Vickerman make the squad they should enter the next lotto draw.
soapit
Guest
definitely, AACwas also in that losing brumbies side but without any form.
Jimbo
Guest
I agree. Whilst I like Phipps and I'm not a huge Giteau fan, we are talking about the World Cup. Every single WC year it has come down to experience as much as ability. I feel for the guy. I saw him walking around Coogee a couple of weeks ago before the Randwick game looking a little lost. I agree with FO. It's an insurance policy. Technically he can cover 9,10,11,12,14,15. I also have to say as much as I like McCalman... Samo really deserves his spot.
ronnie88
Guest
Deans will select a team riddled with injuries over players with actual current form, he will typically pick his favourites even though currently injured, many of which have not played a single game in the last 2-3 months, does heknow the RWC starts in a matter of weeks?
FRugby
Guest
Deans and co. will make a complete shambles of this selection process and stuff our RWC chances deluxe, he can't even make a decision to use bench players in a single game, let alone a complete squad of players. His re-apppointed smells of cronyism of the highest order within the ARU. It certainly was not a business style decision as any employee in any industry is on rewarded or given a bonus/promotion after success, it is offered as a carrrot for outstanding performance. How the Wallabies go in the RWC would have been a rational benchmark to determine if Deans would be rewarded for his performance. Deans and co. clearer cut players for their bad performance - hypocrites all of the ARU.
Capital
Roar Guru
Because 12 is not seen as the centre of the universe - unlike 10 is the central playmaker
mikeylives
Guest
His ambition to be a great 10 really backfired badly. Why has no-one in Australia wanted to make 12 their position a la Horan??
PeterK
Guest
Giteau well past it. He is NOT the 3rd choice 9,10,12 so why on earth have a utility player who doesnt cut it in any of those positions. Good move to drop him.
Capital
Roar Guru
A tad late AdamS :)
AdamS
Guest
Why don't we all wait for teh actual squad to be posted before we start criticising the ommissions. And lets have a player twitter ban for the duration, they just can't help themselves.
ianmac
Guest
I"d have Giteau, Lucas or James Stannard over Nick Phipps.
Jack
Guest
The reasons for Giteau's omission don't need deep analysis. His form over the last two years has been poor. He plays at 10 and does not put others into gaps, cannot throw a long pass, takes space off his outside backs, bis too slow run around defenders ( or catch giant wingers) and has a high error rate at critical times. Barnes dominated club games recently. Giteau did not. He tries really hard? So do 1000s pf players every week. Talent, experience, class, versatility? Maybe once.
jamesb
Guest
i'd have giteau over nick phipps.
Ooaahh
Guest
Everywhere gits has been has a coach player issue. Nucifora, Mitchell and friend can attest to that. I think this lack of selection is more about team harmony than player form.
Capital
Roar Guru
Its a shame on a personal level for Giteau. But he obivously doesn't fit in the plans of Deans. 9 Genia Burgess (and possibly Phibbs if selected) 10 Cooper Barnes JOC Beale 12 Barnes Faiinga / McCabe JOC 13 McCabe / Faiinga AAC Horne I couldn't see the guy getting into the 22 Genia and Burgess are 9 Cooper, Barnes, JOC and even Beale could play 10 from the start side Centres can be covered by Barnes McCabe / Faiinga JOC and Ioane from starting side And fullback is covered by Beale JOC McCabe AAC The reality is that our starting backline past 9 are very good in a number of positions. I think Giteau just didn't fit - and tweeting the news before the announcement - as did Mitchell is pretty selfish.