Sydney – Matt Giteau might be moved from the Wallabies inside-centre spot and Lachie Turner could play at fullback as part of a radical back-line revamp for the coming northern hemisphere grand slam tour.The Herald has been told that the Wallabies selectors are contemplating swapping Berrick Barnes and Giteau around in midfield, but this development could easily destabilise the team as it is known Giteau wants to remain the Test inside-centre. Turner, whom Wallabies coach Robbie Deans appears to be a fan of, will be switched from the wing to the last line of defence.

If Giteau is moved to inside-centre, it could see him reconsider his future as an Australian player. It is known that Giteau, who is contracted to the Australian Rugby Union until the next World Cup, has been disenchanted for some time and that at least two French clubs are desperate to get his services – sooner rather than later. One of the clubs is believed to be Toulon.

It is understood that Giteau has even confided to some of his closest colleagues he is getting more and more interested in playing overseas. It has also been clear that in recent months Giteau has been well off his game, with a major reason being that he was struggling to develop a working relationship with the Test halfback Luke Burgess.

Burgess’s service to Giteau in the early Tests this season was at times erratic, with the Test No 10 often put under immense pressure. As a result Giteau’s game has suffered.

However, Giteau felt more at ease when Queensland’s Will Genia was chosen ahead of Burgess for the final few Tests of the Tri-Nations and now wants the time to improve their combination, believing over a month-long tour that it could revitalise the haphazard Australian back-line play. Giteau enjoys playing with Genia.

However, a move to inside-centre would end that opportunity.

As Giteau is Australia’s highest paid player, the Wallabies and ARU understand the importance of keeping him settled and happy and this midfield reshuffle could easily lead to a firestorm.

Although Giteau and Barnes have regularly swapped around at five-eighth and inside-centre during Tests, Giteau has remained the No 1 pivot. But the pressure has recently been amplified by a push for Barnes to become the next Test skipper, following serious doubts over whether Stirling Mortlock will last until the next World Cup, and whether George Smith has what it takes to be a long-term leader.

The fact that Giteau has been overlooked as a captaincy candidate may also be a contributing factor to him questioning his importance to the organisation.

As expected from a team which suffered numerous embarrassing losses during the Tri-Nations, their morale has taken a serious hit in recent times, especially after Wellington where they were belted by the All Blacks.

This prompted Deans to tell them in the dressing rooms straight after the match that they did not show enough pride in the green and gold, and he repeated these comments to the international media that night. Significantly, it was the first time since Deans has taken over in 2008 that he has openly criticised his team.