Rugby: Palu and Giteau return to Wallabies for title decider

Wallabies Quade Cooper and Matt Giteau. Photo / Getty Images

Uncapped prop Toby Smith is a newcomer while Wycliff Palu and Matt Giteau return in the 31-man Wallabies squad chosen to prepare for next week's Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks.

Smith, 26, was called in by coach Michael Cheika following a consistent Super Rugby campaign for the Melbourne Rebels.

"Toby has had a solid season with the Rebels, and has been working really hard while the group has been away," Cheika said.

Powerhouse No 8 Palu was rested from the opening two test wins against South Africa and Argentina to overcome injury niggles but returns for the clash with the All Blacks at Sydney ANZ Stadium next Saturday.

"Our intention was always to rest Wycliff prior to this camp, and he has come back in great shape and really eager to play," said Cheika.

Recalled veteran Giteau is back after being rested from the Argentina trip, having taken a physical battering against the Springboks in Brisbane.

Players to miss out were No 8 Scott Higginbotham, hooker James Hanson and winger Nick Cummins.

Cheika resisted any urge to rush former test lock Kane Douglas straight back in after he signed a three-year deal with the Queensland Reds yesterday following his return from Ireland.

Cheika indicated Wallabies staff would assess in the next week how well he had recovered from back surgery before deciding when he might come into the selection frame.

"It's going to be a new challenge for me, but I'm looking forward to it," Douglas said. "I know a heap of the Reds guys from playing with them at the Wallabies.

"It's great to see the Wallabies build some depth across the park over the past 12 months, especially at lock, and I'll be working hard to fight my way back into contention."

Cheika, who coached Douglas at the Waratahs, said he was delighted the 14-cap Wallaby had returned to Australian rugby.

Wallabies squad: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, Scott Fardy, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Matt Giteau, Greg Holmes, Michael Hooper, James Horwill, Sekope Kepu, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Stephen Moore (c), Drew Mitchell, Ben McCalman, Sean McMahon, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio, Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Toby Smith, Henry Speight, Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane, Nic White.

- AAP