Waugh out of the picture for now but still in the frame, insists Deans

[Burgs]

Waugh out of the picture for now but still in the frame, insists Deans

GREG GROWDEN AND RUPERT GUINNESS
May 28, 2010

While Phil Waugh was last night ''very disappointed'' to miss out on the Australian squad, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans stressed the Waratahs skipper's Test career was far from over.

Waugh was overlooked for an openside breakaway spot, with David Pocock and Matt Hodgson preferred, while suggestions he would be selected as the Australian Barbarians captain to play England in two midweekers next month did not come to fruition.

When Deans was asked if Waugh's Test career was over, he replied: ''This is not the end of the road for Phil. He's made a huge contribution to Australian rugby, and continues to make a huge contribution to Australian rugby.

''That's evident through what he did with the Waratahs this year. Having the franchise thrive is important for us.

''There's no reason why he can't, or won't contribute to the Wallabies again, either. But the decision we made was picking the Wallabies squad first, and resolving the Test group. Then, when he wasn't part of that, the next 10 players who are in the Barbarians squad is about broadening our base. To be frank, [being part of the Barbarians squad] Phil doesn't need it. He's had a huge year. He doesn't need to be trundled out in these midweekers.''

When asked if he had considered Waugh as the Australian Barbarians captain, Deans said: ''That would have been the easy thing to do. But it wouldn't have broadened our base at all.''

Waugh, 30, who has played 79 Tests since 2000 but only appeared in two internationals last year as a replacement, said he ''would love to have the opportunity to represent Australia in the upcoming series''.

''I am confident I have done everything I possibly can to perform well and put myself in the best possible position to be selected. I am obviously clearly very disappointed.''

Waugh was at least appreciative to receive a telephone call from Deans on Wednesday night telling him he had missed the cut.

''I got a call, which is obviously a disappointing one to get, but it is also good to find out that way rather than read about in the paper,'' Waugh said.

Waugh said that Deans's explanation ''wasn't overly specific'' but he added: ''There are obviously reasons for not being selected, I just have to overcome those and perform better every time I take the field.''

When told that Deans had stressed he was still in the selection frame, Waugh said: ''I hope so.''