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http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,17204392-23217,00.html
DEVASTATED Matt Giteau emerged from the gloom of his shock Test sacking last night to learn he could soon succeed George Gregan on Australia's halfback throne.
The reign of the Wallabies' under-siege captain was again in question as coach Eddie Jones cast doubts on the most capped player in history lasting another two years until the next World Cup.
He also refused to rule out offering Giteau a chance in the No.9 jumper before the four-Test tour to Europe is over.
While Jones retained Gregan for the Test against England - in a side featuring four changes from last week's loss to France - there were signals the skipper is now valued not for his form but his on-field experience during a time of generational change.
"He's the captain of the side and his experience as captain is very important to us at this stage of our development," Jones said.
"But he's got to play well. We need our senior players to play well in this Test. They need to show the way."
Asked whether he was satisfied with Gregan's performances this season, his leadership skills aside, Jones replied: "I think it's reasonable without being terrible or outstanding."
As for Gregan's long-term prospects, Jones said: "To say any 32 year old is going to get to the next World Cup is difficult; the game is now so physically taxing.
"With a 32 year old, you can manage them. But there is always the risk of injury or their form falling off a bit."
Which is where Giteau enters the equation. While he has lost the five-eighth jumper to Rogers for the Twickenham Test, and been overlooked for inside centre where Morgan Turinui stays put, Giteau is in the selectors' minds as a future option at halfback.
"Certainly it is something we are going to consider, it is a possibility," said Jones.
On this tour, with Tests against Ireland and Wales to follow England?
"We'll wait and see," he replied.
Giteau has reacted to his first Test axing with understandable disappointment.
But Jones claims there were specific reasons behind the Rogers-Turinui inside back pairing that shut the door on a starting spot for the dynamic utility star.
"Gits was a little bit disappointing at No.10 against France," Jones said. "He's still coming to grips with that position. He's played probably less than 10 games there."
After Rogers played his first match at five-eighth in the September 3 loss to New Zealand, he praised Turinui's tactical guidance.
That played a part in the latest selection mix, as did Turinui's 15kg weight advantage over Giteau.
Wing Wendell Sailor made way for Mark Gerrard because the Wallabies expect England to rely heavily on a style of play dominated by a thundering pack and a kicking game aimed at establishing field position.
In the pack, John Roe takes over at blindside flanker from Rocky Elsom, who drops out of the squad. Roe's spot on the bench goes to Scott Fava, whose patient wait for a Test debut will finally end in London.
About bloody time IMO.
DEVASTATED Matt Giteau emerged from the gloom of his shock Test sacking last night to learn he could soon succeed George Gregan on Australia's halfback throne.
The reign of the Wallabies' under-siege captain was again in question as coach Eddie Jones cast doubts on the most capped player in history lasting another two years until the next World Cup.
He also refused to rule out offering Giteau a chance in the No.9 jumper before the four-Test tour to Europe is over.
While Jones retained Gregan for the Test against England - in a side featuring four changes from last week's loss to France - there were signals the skipper is now valued not for his form but his on-field experience during a time of generational change.
"He's the captain of the side and his experience as captain is very important to us at this stage of our development," Jones said.
"But he's got to play well. We need our senior players to play well in this Test. They need to show the way."
Asked whether he was satisfied with Gregan's performances this season, his leadership skills aside, Jones replied: "I think it's reasonable without being terrible or outstanding."
As for Gregan's long-term prospects, Jones said: "To say any 32 year old is going to get to the next World Cup is difficult; the game is now so physically taxing.
"With a 32 year old, you can manage them. But there is always the risk of injury or their form falling off a bit."
Which is where Giteau enters the equation. While he has lost the five-eighth jumper to Rogers for the Twickenham Test, and been overlooked for inside centre where Morgan Turinui stays put, Giteau is in the selectors' minds as a future option at halfback.
"Certainly it is something we are going to consider, it is a possibility," said Jones.
On this tour, with Tests against Ireland and Wales to follow England?
"We'll wait and see," he replied.
Giteau has reacted to his first Test axing with understandable disappointment.
But Jones claims there were specific reasons behind the Rogers-Turinui inside back pairing that shut the door on a starting spot for the dynamic utility star.
"Gits was a little bit disappointing at No.10 against France," Jones said. "He's still coming to grips with that position. He's played probably less than 10 games there."
After Rogers played his first match at five-eighth in the September 3 loss to New Zealand, he praised Turinui's tactical guidance.
That played a part in the latest selection mix, as did Turinui's 15kg weight advantage over Giteau.
Wing Wendell Sailor made way for Mark Gerrard because the Wallabies expect England to rely heavily on a style of play dominated by a thundering pack and a kicking game aimed at establishing field position.
In the pack, John Roe takes over at blindside flanker from Rocky Elsom, who drops out of the squad. Roe's spot on the bench goes to Scott Fava, whose patient wait for a Test debut will finally end in London.
About bloody time IMO.
