Flatley sacked after sleep-in - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Flatley sacked after sleep-in

By Melissa Woods 15/06/2003 07:37:14 PM Comments (0)

The Wallabies will take on world No.1 England with a novice five-eighth after Elton Flatley was dramatically sacked for disciplinary reasons.

Flatley blew a golden chance to further stake his claim to the Australian No.10 jersey for the World Cup when he was cut from the squad to face England in Melbourne on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Queenslander slept in and missed team training after a night out with friends celebrating the Wallabies' 30-10 win over Wales at Sydney's Telstra Stadium on Saturday night.

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones had no qualms about sacking Flatley even though injured first choice Stephen Larkham remains sidelined until next month's Tri Nations series.

He indicated he'd convert either centre Nathan Grey or winger Joe Roff into a makeshift five-eighth rather than look outside his squad and Roff is set to take over as goalkicker.

It's a big call against an England team buoyed by its 15-13 win over the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday.

Jones said he had no option but to cut Flatley, who was on a warning after arriving late to a team meeting during last year's Tri-nations campaign.

"Everyone's disappointed for Flats, Flats is disappointed for himself but unfortunately he's broken the team discipline code," Jones said.

"It's a hard lesson to pay, he's a good young fellow, there's not many better around than him and I'm sure he'll learn his lesson and come back quickly."

Roff and reserve back Grey have trained as Flatley's back-up, and Grey is most likely to get the nod because it means minimal changes to the backline.

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