Matt Giteau still has a "big part to play" in the Australia squad, according to coach Roobe Deans, despite being dropped for the Tri-Nations opener against South Africa.
The fly-half was part of the Wallbies team that suffered a shock 32-23 defeat to Samoa and he has paid the price ahead of the clash with the Springboks. Those looking at the rugby betting will be wondering if the side can bounce back.
Even though Quade Cooper was expected to replace Giteau in the starting XV, the 28-year-old was still expected to be named amongst the replacements.
But the Brummies ace will not even be on the bench for the Sydney encounter and the decision has led to questions over whether Giteau will have a role at the World Cup.
With Australia already without a number of regulars through injury, the omission of the experienced half-back is a surprise too many.
Deans though remains coy about the future of Giteau, who has 92 Test appearances to his name, even though he feels he could still play a "big part" in the Tri-Nations.
The coach added: "You can look at anyone and make assumptions but like I've said many times, we're presuming nothing going forward.
"Matt will obviously want a role going forward, he has a role going forward, we just don't know what that will entail just yet in terms of playing."
Elsewhere, Scrum-half Will Genia returns for Saturday's big match in place of Nick Phipps, who drops to the bench. Forwards David Pocock, James Horwill and Rob Simmons are also welcomed back.
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