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Giteau gives up on RWC spot

Sydney - Australia veteran Matt Giteau indicated he had missed out on selection in the Wallabies' Rugby World Cup squad, after coach Robbie Deans said on Wednesday that the 30-man squad was settled pending fitness tests on injured players.

Deans arrived in Sydney on Wednesday after the weekend's 14-9 win over the Springboks in South Africa, and was to head directly to the team's training camp before announcing the squad on Thursday.

Deans said he and fellow selectors did not expect any surprises from the fitness tests, and had already resolved all the places in the World Cup squad.

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

Giteau reacted to those comments by posting: "Thank u ballboys, thank u linesman! That's it," on his Twitter page.

Giteau, who has played in 92 Tests for Australia, was a surprise omission from the Wallabies' Tri-Nations squads so far this year.

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, prop James Slipper, backrower Wycliff Palu and wing Drew Mitchell have yet to return from serious injuries sustained during the Super Rugby season, while flyhalf Berrick Barnes and centre Rob Horne have rejoined their club sides.

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

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