Toulon centre Matt Giteau has offered his services to Wallabies boss Robbie Deans and made peace with his former coach after falling out before last year's World Cup.
That is the word from a Wallabies spokesman who confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald that Giteau - who was was sensationally excluded from Australia's World Cup squad last year and subsequently criticised Deans via messages on social media - is keen to return to the international arena to help out the Wallabies who are in the midst of an injury crisis.
It is understood that the 92-Test veteran has sent Deans a series of messages in which he makes his offer.
The pair have also put last year's spat behind them and exchanged pleasantries in their most recent communications.
But although Giteau's offer would be appreciated, it is Toulouse scrum-half Luke Burgess' services which Deans would much rather have at the moment.
With first-choice scrum-half Will Genia sidelined through injury and current number nine Nick Phipps still inexperienced at Test level it is understood that Deans has contacted Burgess about making a possible return for the Wallabies recently.
Deans tried to play down reports that he will ask the Australian Rugby Union to consider allowing Burgess to be eligible for selection on the end-of-year tour to Europe.
The fundamental principle preventing an overseas-based player from being selected for the Wallabies is something which nobody believes the ARU board would be easily convinced to change.
"It would be a big precedent, it would be something that, if they considered it, they wouldn't take lightly," Deans told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"More importantly we've got a couple of good blokes here.
"Brett Sheehan's stepped in and done a great job. He's been fantastic within the group, and [Phipps] is responding to the challenge superbly."
Comments
NHsaints says...
it would be the right call to select him...question is where? 12? But McCabe is on great form? 10? Beale is playing well? What to do deans, what to do?
Posted 07:44 23rd October 2012
pierredelot1 says...
Well if going to Toulon is considered being fed to the wolves then throw a few more over here. Better weather, better food, more sophisticated, bit of culture. I bet it would take a bulldozer to get him back there permanently. He's playing well at Toulon, much appreciated and seems to be enjoying himself. Though he is first choice at 12 and second choice to that old has been Wilkinson at 10. I sense though that Giteau was put on a pedestel for a while which he found uncomfortable to live with. Worlds most expensive player etc etc, Deans was the boss and sometimes players egos and their sycophants get carried away with their own importance and they come crashing down to earth. Alex Ferguson has burned a few in his time. But it doesn't take the skill and the class away from the player. Burgess is however not first choice at Toulouse and form has not been permanent, although his talent is there for all to see.
Posted 11:02 22nd October 2012
mattlalor says...
He was not in good form when not selected for the RWC but he would have been invaluable as a fresh especially late in tight matches. Deans arrogance and self serving narcissist has spelt the end for a number of players. Gits is the bigger man. did anyone ever expect Deans to select him? please....
Posted 09:19 22nd October 2012
Baron67 says...
maybe, just maybe...the aussie players of today are not as good as the players sharpe came up with and cant understand what deans is trying to teach, eh! he did pretty good at canterbury with the crusaders, eh! if he was the all blacks coach/manger australia would tire tracks up their arse. my take is this, the players are not buying in to his system or philosophy of play.
Posted 14:51 21st October 2012
Baron67 says...
maybe, just maybe...the aussie players of today are not as good as the players sharpe came up with and cant understand what deans is trying to teach, eh! he did pretty good at canterbury with the crusaders, eh! if he was the all blacks coach/manger australia would tire tracks up their arse. my take is this, the players are not buying in to his system or philosophy of play.
Posted 14:40 21st October 2012
Ramage says...
It will be interesting to see what Deans does with this offer. However I wouldn't hold my breath as it was Deans who ruined and finished the career of one of NZs greatest backs in Christian Cullen. Read what Richie McCaw said, as Deans does not like or tolerate different views to his. He has already punished Giteau and thrown him to the wolves and now he has had a Planet Rugby win against the All Blacks. The once desperate man doesn't need him now. If he picks him it will tell us more about how Deans is coping mentally with all the stick he is getting and his need for real wins and not the Planet Rugby ones.
Posted 01:22 21st October 2012
startledwombat says...
Interesting. An advantage of all the injuries is that Deans has now found players who are willing to play to his game plan.
For example, in tonight's game against the All Blacks I noticed a stellar lack of stupid kicks, and an effective use of the midfield defence coming up to shepherd the attacking team into the forward pods standing off the rucks and mauls.
After the match, Beale went so far as to say "we stuck to our game plan". In doing so he silenced thousands of yapping critics who believed the Wallabies didn't have one.
Frankly I'd stick with this team and generate enough momentum with them so that when the narcissists and deaf heroes return from injury one-by-one, they will have no choice but to fit in with the existing culture.
Posted 13:28 20th October 2012
jonesy2 says...
no chance. as much as it would be feasable with JOC not going up to torment opponents
Posted 07:47 20th October 2012
Centre12 says...
Australia's strongest back line at the moment would probably consist of Burgess at #9 and Giteau at #10, McCabe is strong at #12 and the Beal can revert back to #15.
Posted 05:33 20th October 2012
sukkadoits says...
The Wallabies need him, Deans doesn't deserve him. Deans has thrown great players by the wayside too many times. I believe it to be his major flaw.
Posted 03:10 20th October 2012
melkdave says...
Well one thing is for sure Australia sure could use him.His in form ,enjoyong his rugby at Toulon ,and revigorated his creatativity.Hope R.Deans takes his offer up to be honest.
Posted 19:36 19th October 2012