Wednesday, August 9 2006 17:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Sydney: Record-breaking Australian captain George Gregan needs a stint on the sidelines to help revive a Wallabies side lacking energy and drive, sacked former coach Eddie Jones said Tuesday.

Jones, who was fired last December after leading the Wallabies to their worst losing run in 36 years, said Australia's ageing backline pairing of No.9 Gregan and No.10 Stephen Larkham should be reviewed.

He told the Sydney Morning Herald that Larkham, 32, remained the best option at pivot but Australia should consider playing Matt Giteau at half-back instead of 33-year-old Gregan, who holds the world record of 125 caps.

"Stevie is still our best No.10, but I think he needs to be nursed through the preparation to get the most out of him. Stevie can start the game, but you need someone to finish the game for him," Jones told the newspaper.

"You keep on getting the good games here and there from the older players but at the end of the day, those good games get less and less," he said.

Jones said the dynamic Giteau would be an outstanding replacement for Gregan, who has faced increasing speculation about whether he will lead Australia's World Cup campaign in France next year.

"I would not rule George out straight away, but there has to be another option," Jones said.

"What you have got to do out of that No.9 and No.10 position now is get a good, vibrant 80 minutes out of it and that has got to be the key to selection.

"I think certainly they have to keep giving George opportunities (but) I think the other one they should definitely look at is Matt Giteau, he is an outstanding halfback" , he said.

Gregan, who has led the Wallabies more times than any other player after last week bypassing John Eales' 55 Test caps as skipper, has been accused in the Australian media of being too slow and predictable.