Two recent Wallabies assistant coaches have expressed their dismay over the axing of the veteran lock Nathan Sharpe for this weekend's Tri-Nations test against the All Blacks.
Michael Foley and Richard Graham are dismayed about the ommission of the 95-test veteran, and they say it would be folly not to utilise Sharpe's experience at the World Cup.
The Wallabies coach has preferred the fringe duo Dan Vickerman and Sitaleki Timani for his 24-man squad, but he hasn't explained his selection, and it's unclear whether he regards Sharpe as the 5th ranked lock and on the World Cup scrapheap, or if he's simply being given time to play 80 minute of club rugby in Brisbane this weekend.
Sharpe was a reserve in the Wallabies first up Tri-Nations win over the Springboks, but his experience was highlighted by his captaincy of the team in the last 15 minutes when Rocky Elsom then David Pocock were replaced.
And with the talented inside back Berrick Barnes declaring himself available for World Cup duty after overcoming a series of head knocks, Matt Giteau's future is looking bleak.
