Palu, Giteau back for All Blacks clash as Cheika drafts in Rebels prop Toby Smith

Wycliff Palu and Matt Giteau were recalled to the Wallabies’ 31-man squad announced Friday for next week’s Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks, with uncapped prop Toby Smith also drafted in.

Australia and New Zealand are level on nine points ahead of the August 8 test in Sydney – effectively a final as well as the first of two Bledisloe Cup tests – and coach Michael Cheika has brought back two of his experienced big guns.

Veteran Giteau returns after being rested from Australia’s bonus-point 34-9 victory over Argentina last weekend having taken a physical battering against the Springboks in Brisbane earlier this month.

Powerhouse number eight Palu was rested from both the opening test victories to overcome injury niggles but has been deemed fit to face the All Blacks.

A surprise was the call-up of 26-year-old Smith following a consistent Super Rugby campaign for the Melbourne Rebels.

“Toby has had a solid season with the Rebels, and has been working really hard while the group has been away,” said Cheika.

“Our intention was always to rest Wycliff prior to this camp, and he has come back in great shape and really eager to play.”