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No half measures - Deans trusts instincts
By GREG GROWDEN - SMH | Tuesday, 10 June 2008
The prospect of fielding a new test halves combination that includes a rookie at No 9 - such as Luke Burgess and Matt Giteau - does not faze Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.
Although Deans will not name his team to play Ireland in Melbourne on Saturday night until Wednesday, the hopes of Waratahs halfback Burgess making his test debut have been boosted by Deans saying he has a soft spot for adventurous players who trust their instincts.
Burgess is such a player, and his selection in the Waratahs' starting lineup midway through the Super 14 tournament had the desired effect of revitalising NSW, primarily through his aggression, unpredictability and resourcefulness. Burgess often tried to do something new, often with success.
The major sticking point is that Burgess and Giteau have not played together as a halves combination, which could cause indecision. Deans has to choose between Burgess and the more experienced Sam Cordingley for the No 9 spot, but he does not appear to worry about pairing.....
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