Giteau gone as Deans puts trust in Horwill
The Australian rugby public were left stunned on Thursday after it was announced that 92-cap Wallaby veteran Matt Giteau had been dropped from the final World Cup squad. Head coach Robbie Deans has made another bold decision by stripping Rocky Elsom of the captaincy, replacing him with Reds lock and enforcer James Horwill.
With plenty of rumours being suggested beforehand, Deans named his final 30-man playing group for next month's global event on Thursday afternoon, confirming some of the gossip in the process and leaving two of the country's most decorated and experienced stars to deal with some bad
Although the Kiwi-born coach stated that Elsom was relieved of the captaincy to take pressure away from his "extra duties and "distractions , he offered no explanation for Giteau's exclusion, further fuelling speculation of a fractious working relationship between the pair.
The 28-year-old Brumby has made way in the squad for Berrick Barnes, who despite just recently returning to training following a series of head injuries has been preferred to the versatile Wallaby of two World Cups, who can cover scrum-half, fly-half and centre.
Although admittedly one of the most naturally gifted players the Wallabies have available to them, Giteau has not displayed the form he is capable of for quite some time in a gold jersey or that of his beloved Brumbies. Added to that some relatively poor kicking displays throughout the 2011 Super Rugby season, and it is clear Deans feels other options like Barnes, Quade Cooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper are safer bets for selection. It is a tough process, a big call and one that Deans may well be held accountable for in Australia if fans and the Australian Rugby Union don't get the results they desire in New Zealand.
The other major decision to install James Horwill as captain seems one that is much more natural and sensible. A big ball-carrier, strong presence on the field and captain of the Reds side that won the Super Rugby title in June, Horwill appears the obvious choice to take over from Elsom and lead his country with passion and conviction.
Of the announcement Horwill said, "It's something I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to represent [my] country, to be announced as captain is just another step and I'm greatly honoured for the opportunity.
With the burden of captaincy off his shoulders it will be hoped that Elsom can fully concentrate on regaining his excellent previous form after completing just 60 minutes of an injury-blighted Super Rugby season. The decision also gives Deans more selective freedom in terms of who he might prefer in the Australian back-row. With the hugely impressive Scott Higginbotham coming off the back of a fantastic 2011 playing term, the coaching team may not now feel as pressured in dropping Elsom in favour of the robust Reds flanker.
In other news, notable omissions from the final squad include Mark Gerrard, Lachlan Turner and Dean Mumm; whilst Drew Mitchell, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Rob Horne are all picked despite currently recovering from injury.
The Wallabies face their final Tri-Nations match against the All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on August 27, before their first group game of the Rugby World Cup against Italy in Auckland on September 11.
AUSTRALIA WORLD CUP SQUAD:
Backs: Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), James O'Connor (Western Force), Drew Mitchell (Waratahs), Digby Ioane (Reds), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies), Rob Horne (Waratahs), Pat McCabe (Brumbies), Anthony Faingaa (Reds), Berrick Barnes (Waratahs), Quade Cooper (Reds), Nick Phipps (Melbourne Rebels), Luke Burgess (Waratahs), Will Genia (Reds).
Forwards: Ben McCalman (Western Force), Radike Samo (Reds), Wycliff Palu (Waratahs), David Pocock (Western Force), Rocky Elsom (Brumbies), Scott Higginbotham (Reds), James Horwill © (Reds), Rob Simmons (Reds), Nathan Sharpe (Western Force), Dan Vickerman (Waratahs), Ben Alexander (Brumbies), Sekope Kepu (Waratahs), James Slipper (Reds), Salesi Ma'afu (Brumbies), Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Saia Faingaa (Reds), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs).
