Wallabies drop Giteau after Samoa shambles

MATT GITEAU’S chances of playing in a third Rugby World Cup have suffered a major blow after he was left out of Australia’s squad for Saturday’s Tri Nations opener against South Africa in Sydney.

The 92-Test veteran is the major casualty from Sunday’s embarrassing 32-23 loss to Samoa after coach Robbie Deans wielded the axe at yesterday’s team announcement.

While most of the seven changes to the starting line-up were expected given that Deans rested several of his Queensland stars last week, Giteau’s omission from the 22-man squad is a surprise. Brumbies utility back Pat McCabe has been retained at inside-centre and is joined by star halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper, while full-back Kurtley Beale and wing James O’Connor also return.