Deans has decided on World Cup squad - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Deans has decided on World Cup squad

17/08/2011 04:51:00 PM Comments (0)

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says he's settled on his 30-man squad for next month's Rugby World Cup but is keeping his cards close to his chest before Thursday's team announcement.

Deans and the Australian squad flew back into Sydney Airport on Wednesday afternoon following their 14-9 win over South Africa in Durban at the weekend.

The newly re-signed coach was heading straight to their Coogee base to assess injured players who are set to undergo last-ditch fitness assessments to make the tournament, kicking off on September 9 in New Zealand.

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, prop James Slipper, Wycliff Palu and Drew Mitchell have yet to return from serious injuries sustained during the Super Rugby season, while the likes of Berrick Barnes and Rob Horne have made comebacks in club rugby.

Deans said he and fellow selectors Jim Williams and David Nucifora didn't expect any surprises from the fitness tests and had resolved all places in the squad.

"We've had all those internal selection discussions and we're clear in our mind," he said.

"We've been watching (the injured players) and we know where they're at but today is an opportunity to see them and talk to them.

"We've got the squad resolved, it's just communicating it now."

Out-of-favour star Matt Giteau is the most perplexing selection issue in the squad and may be overlooked in favour of fellow playmaker Barnes and specialist third halfback Nick Phipps.

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