Australia
'Stupid' not to consider Giteau, Smith, Mitchell
ESPN Staff
April 24, 2015
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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says he'd be crazy not to be considering George Smith, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell for this year's Rugby World Cup.

The France-based trio are the only three players immediately available for Wallabies selection following the ARU's backflip on its selection policy for offshore stars, and Cheika says he'll touch base with a trio boasting a combined total of 266 Test caps for Australia.

"I'd be stupid [not to be]," Cheika said on Friday. "That's the idea, is to have more players available to choose from. So of course, yeah, I'm looking at them now. Once I find their phone numbers, I'm sure I'll be in contact with them."

The Brumbies' George Smith attends a recovery session, Super Rugby, Canberra Grammar School, July 30, 2013
Michael Cheika has not seen George Smith play for Lyon this season © Getty Images
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Smith retired for a second time after Australia's 2-1 series loss to the touring British & Irish Lions in 2013, but Cheika said the 34-year-old was "obviously" an attractive proposition.

"George played for me at Stade Francais," Cheika said. "He came on one of his little junkets out of Japan and came over and a had a little of life in France, and I can tell you he was an awesome player to coach.

"Tactics .. he's got great experience. But I'll be honest, I haven't actually seen a game of his this year. I'd be lying if I said I'd been out there looking."

Cheika said it was too early to say if any of the three overseas-based options had to return for the Rugby Championship or simply slot into his 31-man Rugby World Cup squad.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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