Tim Horan says Robbie Deans should have included Matt Giteau in Wallaby squad – Rugby Union
Rugby commentator, Tim Horan, has said that Matt Giteau should not have been left out of the 22-man Wallabies squad that will be playing against the Springboks in their Tri-Nations Series inaugural match, on July 23.
Giteau has been ousted from his position in the Australian team after an embarrassing defeat of 23-32 against Samoa last weekend, which resulted in seven changes within the Aussie lineup that will be marching into the Tri-Nations series kicking off in Sydney.
Acknowledging Gits’ performance during the Super rugby season, Horan was of the opinion that unlike some players who failed to play well, Gits performance was rather praiseworthy to earn him a spot not only on the Wallabies Tri-Nations’ outfit but also in the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011.
After the defeat against the Samoans, Robbie Deans, Australian head coach, announced on Tuesday, July 19, that Quade Cooper and Will Genia will be resuming their duties in the squad as fly halves after a week-long break. Giteau had been filling in for Cooper as fly half while the latter was away. He managed to score 18 points during the Samoan match last weekend.
On Cooper’s return Giteau was hoping for a spot in the backline, especially as the inside-centre. Instead, Pat McCabe was given the spot in Giteau’s place.
Giteau’s exclusion was unexpected and the Australian coach is being asked about Gits’ future with the Wallabies squad. Deans has yet to give a straight forward answer to the queries. Deans’ intentions of having him on board for the RWC squad are also not clear.
According to Horan, Gits is a versatile player who can pass for the fly-half, centre and scrum-half positions, is therefore counted within the utility backs.
While speaking about Deans’ choice regarding only two back reserves within his squad which will meet the Boks, Horan stated, “I would have had Giteau on the bench covering the inside backs from 9-10-12, and then an outside back reserve as well.”
Horan also mentioned that Nick Phipps is not a very strong Test player and his inclusion in the squad is not justifiable. His inexperience in the recent episode of Super Rugby was apparent as he has not shown commendable performance. Since he has only played in Super Rugby season, his inclusion for the Test squad does not appear to be the right choice.
On the contrary, Horan also indicated that with Gits’ vast Test experience his selection would have been a better option for the Wallabies squad which will soldier into the World Cup this September.
After giving an excellent season of Super Rugby recently that led to the Brumbies commendable win of 32-17 against the Melbourne Rebel, Gits future with the Wallabies in the World Cup is still uncertain.
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