SYDNEY - Australia coach John Connolly is considering playing Matt Giteau at halfback at the World Cup instead of regular number nine George Gregan.
Connolly said Giteau was certain to be an automatic choice in the Australian team but he was undecided about what position he would play.
Giteau normally plays inside centre but proved a revelation when he started at halfback on last year's tour of Europe, which Gregan missed.
Gregan has been Australia's first-choice halfback for more than a decade.
"Giteau provides something special at halfback and George provides that tenacity and toughness to a squad as well," Connolly said.
"So we're aware of what both players can give us."
Gregan is the world's most capped test player but plans to retire from international rugby after the World Cup, to be held in France in September and October.
The 36-year-old has captained Australia since John Eales retired in 2001 but his critics have long argued that his best days are behind him.
Connolly, who took over as coach last year, is almost certain to choose Gregan in the World Cup squad but has not given assurances he will retain the captaincy or make the starting side.
Connolly has repeatedly hinted that Australia needs to develop a new generation of younger backs to replace the likes of Gregan, first five-eighths Stephen Larkham and centre Stirling Mortlock when they retire.
"We're concerned about the depth of our backline coming through," he said. "The need for speed is definitely on the agenda."
Connolly said he had been impressed by the performances of three teeenagers, Lachlan Turner, Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper, during this season's Super 14.
All three were named in a preliminary 59-man train-on squad and Connolly said they represented the future of Australian rugby.
"We definitely have to fast track the Turners and Beales and the Coopers and these young guys. They're very much in our focus," he said.
- REUTERS
