Finegan axed from Australian World Cup squad

4.30pm

The Australian rugby selectors sprang a surprise today when they left abrasive loose forward Owen Finegan out of their World Cup squad.

Other big names to miss out are props Glen Panoho and former Argentinian Patricio Noreiga. However, the biggest loss is regular vice-captain and number eight Toutai Kefu who was ruled out with a shoulder injury earlier this week. His place goes to uncapped Queensland looseforward John Roe.

Finegan, who was an vital member of the Wallaby team in 1999 is left out at the expense of veteran flanker Mark Cockbain and David Croft. Cockbain could see himself playing against his brother Brent, who has been selected for Wales.

In another surprise, combative centre Nathan Gray, who must have thought his international days where over after being unceremoniously dumped this year, has forced his way back in at the expense of Kefu's younger brother Steve.

Panoho and Noreiga's places in the squad have been taken by the maverick Matt Dunning and unknown Al Baxter, who made his debut against the All Blacks in last month's Bledisloe Cup match. Lock Justin Harrison also returns to lock the scrum with his regular international partners David Giffin, Nathan Sharpe and Daniel Vickerman.

Unlike the All Blacks, the Australians have opted for only two sets of hookers and halfbacks. The hookers roles belong to veterans Brendan Cannon and Jeremy, while captain George Gregan and his permanent understudy Chris Whittaker are the halfbacks.

Otherwise the squad has a predictable feel about it, with the rugby league trio of Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri on board along with exciting newcomers Matt Giteau and Morgan Turinui. Experienced campaigners Joe Roff and Stirling Mortlock also return from injury as expected.

The Australian World Cup squad is:

Backs: Matthew Burke, Elton Flatley, Matt Giteau, George Gregan (captain), Nathan Grey, Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham, Stirling Mortlock, Joe Roff, Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri, Morgan Turinui, Chris Whitaker.

Forwards: Al Baxter, Brendan Cannon, Matt Cockbain, David Croft, Ben Darwin, Matt Dunning, David Giffin, Justin Harrison, David Lyons, Jeremy Paul, John Roe, Nathan Sharpe, George Smith, Daniel Vickerman, Phil Waugh, Bill Young.

- Herald staff