Waugh escapes axe, will face teammates

Phil Waugh © Gallo Images

Flanker Phil Waugh retained his spot in Australia's squad for tests against France and Italy next month, but in a selection twist will first line up for the Barbarians against his teammates.

There was speculation the 77-test veteran would be dropped in favour of rival flankers George Smith and David Pocock but selectors included all three in the 29-man squad named Thursday for Australia's upcoming home matches.

However, before the 29-year-old has the chance to again pull on a Wallabies' jersey, he will be plotting his teammates' downfall as a member of the Barbarians invitational team to play Australia in Sydney on June 6.

Australia coach Robbie Deans said he was happy to give Waugh a release so he could accept the prestigious Barbarians' invitation.

"Phil was keen to play -- he'd been invited and earned that honour," Deans said.

"We see it as a win-win. He's getting exposure in two more top-class games, and will be going head-to-head with the other flankers in our squad, which is a great result for us."

Stirling Mortlock, who retained the Wallabies' captaincy despite relinquishing the skipper's position at the Brumbies during the Super 14 season, admitted it would be strange lining up against Waugh.

"It is a bit weird," Mortlock said.

"It is a bit different but the Baa Baas (Barbarians) have that prestige and that history behind them and every way you look at it I think it's going to be an unbelievable fixture."

Mortlock was under no illusions that Waugh would give his all against Australia for the Barbarians, saying "Waugie's a competitor".

The Western Force pair of backrower Matt Hodgson and prop Pek Cowan are the only uncapped players named in the Australian squad after impressing in the Super 14 competition.

"Both Matt and Pek have been included with one eye on the future. They both play in areas where we have a clear need and are looking to build up our depth," Deans said.

"Their selection today gives us an opportunity over the next month to get them started, in terms of exposing them to the international environment."

Deans said player development was also at the forefront of his mind in selecting teenage sensation James O'Connor. The 18-year-old earned his sole test cap against Italy last year.

The coach said O'Connor's performances for the Force in the Super 14 meant he could not be ignored, although he was looking at him as a potential fullback, rather than in his customary position at inside centre.

Deans said the decision to go with 29 players instead of 30 reflected the make-up of the squad, with all positions adequately covered by the personnel available.

Injuries ruled forwards Sekope Kepu, Wycliff Palu, Mark Chisholm, Adam Freier, Hugh McMeniman and Matt Dunning out of contention, along with winger Digby Ioane.

Wallabies' Squad:

Forwards: Benn Robinson (Waratahs), Ben Alexander (Brumbies), Al Baxter (Waratahs), Pek Cowan (Force), Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs), Nathan Sharpe (Force), James Horwill (Reds), Peter Kimlin (Brumbies), Dean Mumm (Waratahs), Matt Hodgson (Force), George Smith (Brumbies), David Pocock (Force), Phil Waugh (Waratahs*), Richard Brown (Force).

Backs: Josh Valentine (Force), Luke Burgess (Waratahs), Matt Giteau (Force), Berrick Barnes (Reds), Quade Cooper (Reds), Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies/captain), Timana Tahu (Waratahs), Ryan Cross (Force), Lote Tuqiri (Waratahs), Peter Hynes (Reds), Lachie Turner (Waratahs), Drew Mitchell (Force), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies), James O'Connor (Force).

* Waugh not included for Barbarians match

Wallabies' home schedule.
June 6 v Barbarians, Sydney
June 13 v Italy, Canberra
June 20 v Italy, Melbourne
June 27 v France, Sydney

Read more on the June Internationals page.

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© Sapa - AFP