Two New Faces On Wallaby Tour Squad

The Australian selectors have chosen two fresh faces for the 2002 Spring Tour of Argentina, Ireland, England and Italy during November. Australian under 21 and Canberra Vikings flyhalf Matt Giteau has been selected for the
tour as a third scrumhalf while newly signed Waratahs
hooker Adam Freier will be Jeremy Paul’s understudy.

National Coach Eddie Jones said the selections of Giteau, who turns 20 on Sunday, and Freier is an exciting step towards the future.
“We have a
two-tiered approached to selections,” said Jones. “We need to pick proven players who can win test matches but at
the same time we must bring through new talent that could play a role in next year’s World Cup.”

Giteau said the tour honour caps off a big year for him. “A lot has happened
to me in 2002 but to be part of this tour is completely
unexpected. I know George Smith is pretty happy too considering he’s no longer the youngest player on tour and doesn’t have to baby sit the Wallaby mascot.” he said.

The selectors opted for a third scrumhalf to cover for Wallaby skipper George Greganwho is scheduled to fly home during the tour to attend the birth of his second child.
“Family comes first and George is a great family man and he has the full support of the ARU when the time comes for him to leave the tour and return for the birth,” said John O’Neill, ARU Managing Director.

The 27-man Vodafone Wallabies squad will assemble for two camps before
flying out on October 25 for Buenos Aires.
2002 Vodafone Wallabies Spring Tour Squad.
Matthew Burke (Waratahs); Matt Cockbain (Reds); David Croft *
(Reds);Ben Darwin (Brumbies); Owen Finegan (Brumbies); Elton Flatley(Reds);Adam Freier *(Waratahs); David Giffin (Brumbies); Matt Giteau * (Brumbies); George Gregan [c](Brumbies); Justin Harrison (Brumbies); Daniel Herbert
(Reds); Toutai Kefu (Reds); Chris Latham (Reds); Stephen Larkham (Brumbies); David Lyons (Waratahs); Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies); Patricio Noriega (Waratahs);
Jeremy Paul (Brumbies); Mat Rogers (Waratahs); Wendell
Sailor(Reds); George Smith (Brumbies); Nick Stiles(Reds); Ben Tune (Reds); Daniel Vickerman (Brumbies); Chris Whitaker (Waratahs); Bill Young (Brumbies);
( *
denotes uncapped ).