Connolly opens door for Gregan

Australia coach John Connolly has revealed veteran scrum-half George Gregan still has a chance to play a role for the Wallabies at this autumn's World Cup in France.

Gregan turned in an excellent performance during the ACT Brumbies' 15-6 victory over the Crusaders on Saturday night, his fine combination play with Stephen Larkham confirming that the 34-year-old can still deliver at the highest level.

Connolly told The Daily Telegraph: "As for the half-back position, all I can say is that George is strongly in the mix.

"I guess the game at the weekend was a pretty compelling argument to have George and Stephen play number nine and number 10 at some stage."

Larkham is all but guaranteed to start at number 10, but Connolly insists there are plenty of options at his disposal in Gregan's position.

He added: "The options at number nine are wide.

"We have Gregan; we've got (Sam) Cordingley coming back through the Australia A programme; Matt Henjak has improved; Brett Sheehan and Josh Valentine were taken on the tour last year.

"We're also watching the development of (Josh) Holmes with a lot of interest."

However, Matt Giteau could be the man to offer the sternest challenge to Gregan's claims for a place in the starting XV, although Connolly admits he undecided as to whether he should deploy the Western Force star at inside centre or half-back.

"Where (Matt) Giteau ends up playing is clearly going to be a factor," he said.