The Toulon centre is one of three changes to the squad that made it two wins out of two for Wales’ Pool A opponents at the 2015 World Cup in Argentina last weekend. Joining him in the 31-strong group are No 8 Wycliff Palu and the uncapped Melbourne Rebels prop Toby Smith.
The All Blacks beat South Africa 27-20 last weekend to make it two from two and their aim in Sydney will be to extend their hold over the Wallabies, who haven’t beaten them in the last 10 matches going back to 2011.
Giteau missed the win in Argentina due to injury, while powerful No 8 Palu is coming back off a month long rest. The 26-year-old Smith gets his call-up after an impressive Super Rugby campaign.
“We’ve been able to look at a few different combinations during the first two rounds of The Rugby Championship and the squad is starting to take shape. As well as the 31 players, we’ll be bringing some injured and fringe players into camp to continue their rehabilitation and manage their return to play,” said head coach Michael Cheika.
“It’s important that they remain connected and contribute to the group. Toby has had a solid season with the Rebels, while it was always our intention to rest Wycliff prior to this camp, and he has come back in great shape and really eager to play.”
Wallabies Squad (v New Zealand)
Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
Kurtley Beale (Waratahs)
Quade Cooper (Reds)
Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
Israel Folau (Waratahs)
Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
Matt Giteau (Toulon)
Greg Holmes (Reds)
Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
James Horwill (Reds)
Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)
Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
Stephen Moore (Brumbies, Captain)
Drew Mitchell (Toulon)
Ben McCalman (Force)
Sean McMahon (Rebels)
Dean Mumm (Waratahs)
Wycliff Palu (Waratahs)
Nick Phipps (Waratahs)
David Pocock (Brumbies)
Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs)
Scott Sio (Brumbies)
Rob Simmons (Reds)
Will Skelton (Waratahs)
James Slipper (Reds)
Toby Smith* (Rebels)
Henry Speight (Brumbies)
Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
Nic White (Brumbies)
*Uncapped
