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MATT Giteau says he doesn't expect to be recalled to the Wallabies team to play the All Blacks this week in Auckland but will continue to push his case for a World Cup berth on the training field.
After being left out of the Wallabies' 22-man squad to play the Springboks two weeks ago, Giteau returned to action on Saturday with a stint in Brisbane club rugby but given Australia's big win over the Boks in Sydney, the out-of-favour playmaker isn't holding high hopes for a recall when the Bledisloe Cup team is chosen tomorrow.
"The way the guys played in that win against South Africa was really encouraging for Australian rugby, and you'd guess they're not going to mess with a winning side," Giteau said.
"My attitude is just to keep training hard, and to keep helping the side prepare as best as possible for the All Blacks."
If Giteau is again overlooked for the Wallabies' opening Bledisloe Cup clash, the challenge to secure a World Cup berth could keep getting harder due to a simple lack of game time to argue the 92-Test veteran's case.
With Robbie Deans due to finalise his 30-man squad in 18 days and only two Tests left to play, there is speculation Giteau is now pessimistic about World Cup selection.
But the 28-year-old told The Daily Telegraph he is still confident about his chances and aims to show as much in coming weeks.
"I feel like I am training well and I am certainly confident that if I got the opportunity to play I could step up and perform," Giteau said.
"It's a little bit unfamiliar for me, I have never really been in a situation like this. You just have to do the best you can in training, be as positive as you can for the group and whatever happens, happens. I guess we will just have to wait and see."
Many believe Giteau's value as a versatile, experienced inside back should see him make the World Cup squad, although the Samoa loss, Berrick Barnes' return and Deans pushing James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale as back-up five-eighths has cast some doubt.
Giteau turned out for a rare appearance in club rugby with a 30-minute stint for University in their Premier Rugby clash with Brothers.
Giteau said he was pleased with the solid hit-out.
"It was good, I wasn't able to train with the guys or anything but it was good to get out there for a run," he said.
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