Share

Palu, Giteau return for All Blacks Test

Sydney - Wycliff Palu and Matt Giteau were on Friday recalled to the Wallabies 31-man squad for next week's Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks, with uncapped prop Toby Smith also drafted in.

Australia and New Zealand are level on nine points ahead of the August 8 Test in Sydney - effectively a final - and coach Michael Cheika has brought back two of his experienced big guns.

Veteran Giteau returns after being rested from Australia's bonus-point 34-9 victory over Argentina last weekend having taken a physical battering against the Springboks in Brisbane earlier this month.

Powerhouse No 8 Palu was rested from both the opening two Test victories to overcome injury niggles but has been deemed fit to face the All Blacks.

A surprise was the call-up of 26-year-old Smith following a consistent Super Rugby campaign for the Melbourne Rebels.

"Toby has had a solid season with the Rebels, and has been working really hard while the group has been away," said Cheika.

"Our intention was always to rest Wycliff prior to this camp, and he has come back in great shape and really eager to play."

Cheika added that the squad was starting to come together ahead of the September-October World Cup in England.

"We have been able to look at a few different combinations during the first two rounds of the Rugby Championship and the squad is starting to take shape," he said.

"In addition to the 31 players, we'll be bringing some injured and fringe players into camp to continue their rehabilitation and manage their return to play. It's important that they remain connected and contribute to the group."

Squad:

Forwards - James Slipper, Scott Sio, Greg Holmes, Sekope Kepu, Toby Smith, Stephen Moore, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, James Horwill, Dean Mumm, Scott Fardy, Wycliff Palu, Ben McCalman, Sean McMahon, Michael Hooper, David Pocock

Backs - Nick Phipps, Nic White, Bernard Foley, Quade Cooper, Matt Toomua, Matt Giteau, Christian Lealiifano, Kurtley Beale, Tevita Kuridrani, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Joe Tomane, Henry Speight, Israel Folau

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1814 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1774 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1081 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 459 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 186 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE