August 13, 2009

Article from: Australian Associated Press
WALLABIES coach Robbie Deans has allayed fears star five-eighth Matt Giteau will miss Saturday week's must-win Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks with a leg cork.
Waratahs five-eighth Kurtley Beale mixes it at Wallabies training at Coogee Oval Picture: Mark Evans


Giteau sustained the injury in Australia's weekend loss to the Springboks in Cape Town and served as a million-dollar waterboy at training at Coogee Oval in Sydney in what was the Wallabies' first session since returning from South Africa.

But despite drafting NSW Waratahs five-eighth Kurtley Beale into his squad, Deans says Giteau is in no doubt for the big Bledisloe Cup clash at ANZ Stadium.

“He has just got a corked thigh. It's just preventative,” Deans said, adding that he was hopeful Australia's key playmaker is able to resume training within the next two days.

“We're just not too sure to what extent yet.”

Deans said he was not fazed about the prospect of classy All Blacks five-eighth Dan Carter making his return to international rugby against the Wallabies following several months out with a torn Achilles tendon.

“It doesn't concern us greatly whether he starts or not,” he said.

“The fact that they've included him (in their touring squad) would suggest they will use him.

“I'd certainly expect him to be in the 22. Whether he starts or not, they'll make that decision.”

In heartening news for Wallabies fans, powerhouse flanker Rocky Elsom completed his first full session with the squad since his man-of-the-match display for Leinster in their European Cup final victory over Leicester seven weeks ago.

Elsom has been dogged by deep knee bruising but has finally declared himself available for Test selection.

“Which is good, because it has been quite frustrating for him. It was a significant injury,” Deans said.

“It was more complex and sinister than was first thought. But he's now back out there and enjoying being back out there.

“He's been able to up the ante in terms of the amount of work he's done and he's had no setback as a result of that.

“So he's pretty excited to be back.”

AAP




http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...015651,00.html