Giteau out as Wallabies sweat on fitness tests

By CHRIS BARCLAY

The Wallabies have lost impact player Matt Giteau and are sweating on a late fitness test today on key lock David Giffin ahead of Saturday's rugby World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.

Giteau was ruled out today after failing to recover from an ankle injury suffered late in last weekend's quarterfinal victory over Scotland.

"Matt has worked hard on his ankle but he's still unable to train and will miss the match," coach Eddie Jones said at today's team announcement.

The diminutive utility had been tipped to cause the All Blacks problems but Jones will now have to rely on the combative Nathan Grey to cover second five-eighth and centre.

It is the second time Grey has been plucked from the wilderness to act as a stopgap for the Wallabies this season.

In June, the New South Wales second five was handed the thankless task of marking England first five-eighth Jonny Wilkinson.

Australia lost that match 14-25 - the first at home to the English.

He subsequently dropped from sight until returning for the World Cup where his only action so far has been a midfield start in the 142-0 rout of Namibia.

Jones said Grey's greater experience and versatility got him the nod ahead of Morgan Turinui.

"It was a tight call between Nathan and Morgan for the bench spot but Nathan's ability to play first five-eighth makes him the preferred option," Jones said.

Giffin, who relinquished the vice-captaincy to Phil Waugh, will be given until tomorrow to prove his fragile shoulder can stand up to the rigours of what is expected to be a rugged showdown at Telstra Stadium.

He has been bracketed with Daniel Vickerman on the bench.

"David's not ready to start a game and will need to get through training tonight to be eligible for selection on the bench."

Jones said he saw Giffin, the lineout leader, potentially playing a pivotal role in the final quarter.

"He's got a lot of experience and the last 20 minutes is probably going to be the crucial part of the game."

Jones said the news was brighter for flanker George Smith, who is now rated a 90 percent chance of filling the blindside role in the back row alongside Waugh and David Lyons.

Despite criticism of league converts Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers, Jones has resisted the opportunity to change, believing their combination with Lote Tuqiri can give the All Blacks headaches.

"We had a look at the different permutations but we think this is the best combination, with Lote starting and Joe Roff off the bench."

Rogers' handling has let him down in recent games while Sailor's defence has been picked apart by critics practically since he switched codes and made his Wallabies debut last year.

"Wendell has been heavily criticised but I think a lot of it is unfair and we feel he can do the job against Joe Rokocoko.

"He's the sort of guy that can trouble the All Blacks."

With Smith destined to play if fit, the Wallabies will start with just two genuine lineout jumpers in locks Justin Harrison and Nathan Sharpe as they did against Scotland.

The Scots exploited that facet of play in the first half, snaffling four throws, before Matt Cockbain was introduced in the second spell. Cockbain is again named on the bench.

Jones admitted the pressure had been getting to his side although he was hopeful the squad could still relax ahead of the do-or-die clash.

"We have to work hard to get our game right but we're also trying to enjoy the occasion.

"We're heavily scrutinised in the media because we're the home team. The external expectation is not high but the internal expectation is."

Jones conceded criticism had hurt the team but it had stiffened their resolve.

"There's always some pain associated with it, we've had some dark times this year but we've shown great resolve and that continues to shine through.

"We managed to do enough for 15 minutes to beat Scotland - that's good resolve and that'll be handy on Saturday night."

Australia:

Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri, Stirling Mortlock, Elton Flatley, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain), David Lyons, Phil Waugh, Nathan Sharpe, Justin Harrison, George Smith, Ben Darwin, Brendan Cannon, Bill Young.

Reserves: Jeremy Paul, Al Baxter, Dan Vickerman or David Giffin (one to be omitted), Matt Cockbain, Chris Whitaker, Nathan Grey, Joe Roff.

- NZPA

Full World Cup coverage