Wallabies drop Giteau

I know that this is a day old already but found it interesting that there was no article on TWF

The Wallabies have made five changes ahead of Saturday's Test against Italy after their 35-18 humbling at the hands of England last week.

Matt Giteau has been axed from the starting XV in favour of Berrick Barnes, who captained the side for the midweek matches against Leicester and Munster and will take over at inside-centre for the game in Florence.

It is the first time that Giteau has been dropped since 2008. On that occasion, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans preferred to field an inexperienced line-up, also against Italy, in Padova.

The last time the 28-year-old back was dropped due to poor form was in Eddie Jones' last match in charge in 2005. He has been the most used player during Deans' 41-Test reign, but recently surrendered kicking duties to James O'Connor and his place in the side has been under scrutiny for some time.

The decision to bring in Barnes may also be an attempt to compensate for the poor defensive qualities of fellow back Quade Cooper, who was targeted and exposed by England at Twickenham.

Lachie Turner, after substitute appearances in the Wallabies' last three Tests, will start in place of O'Connor, who has returned to Australia to attend a funeral.

O'Connor will re-join the squad for the final Test against France in Paris on November 27.

Luke Burgess takes over at scrum-half, with Will Genia dropping to the bench after picking up a rib injury against England.

The forwards also received a shake-up, with loose-head Benn Robinson and second-rower Mark Chisholm out in place of James Slipper and Rob Simmons - both of whom will make their starting debuts at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

"They've all earned their right to be a part of this side," he said. "Off the back of his efforts off the bench, James [Slipper] has earned his opportunity to start and Rob gets his chance to start having got some more rugby under his belt [against Leicester and Munster] and he'll benefit from the experience he received off the bench through the Tri-Nations," Deans said.

"Berrick has really worked hard at his game and deserves his chance to start. He has also made an impact off the bench for us and he gets his chance to start from the beginning, as does Luke [Burgess]. Will Genia is coming off a knock from last week and so he [Burgess] gets his chance to do some yards in place of him."

"Lachie obviously comes in due to James O'Connor's absence, but we expect him to thrive as he has done with each opportunity he's been provided with in the past."

The back row remains unchanged, with David Pocock and Ben McCalman lining up alongside captain Rocky Elsom.

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will be on the bench after recovering from an ankle injury. Polota-Nau has not featured for the Wallabies since their victory over Wales in Cardiff in 2009.

He is joined amongst the substitutes by flanker Matt Hodgson and back Pat McCabe, who will be hoping for a first Test cap after impressing against Leicester and Munster.

Wallabies team:
Kurtley Beale; Lachie Turner, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell; Quade Cooper, Luke Burgess; Ben McCalman, David Pocock; Rocky Elsom (capt), Nathan Sharpe, Rob Simmons; Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, James Slipper

Interchange: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Mark Chisholm, Matt Hodgson, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Pat McCabe

http://www.sportal.com.au/rugby-unio...-giteau-102514