Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has come under fire for his decision to axe Matt Giteau from the squad for this weekend's Tri-Nations opener with South Africa.

Former World Cup coaches and players have openly criticised the decision, and have defended Giteau's corner, saying he is the one player they would keep right now. 

World Cup final 2003 coach Eddie Jones said he was baffled by the move and said the opposition teams would be pleased Giteau had been left out, while another former Wallabies Head coach John Connolly rated Giteau as one of the toughest players he'd ever coached.

Wallaby great Horan said Giteau was too good a player to miss out on the World Cup.