Rugby
Giteau back at pivot for Aus
2011-07-16 08:09
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Sydney - Matt Giteau is relishing a chance to get back into the driving seat for the Wallabies, starting the test season at flyhalf while Australia rests Quade Cooper for Sunday's one-off match against Samoa.
Even Giteau at his most confident realizes, though, that he's likely to only hold down the No 10 spot for only one match at this stage as the Wallabies gear up for the Tri-Nations and World Cup campaigns.
Cooper and Will Genia, whose combination helped the Reds win the Super Rugby title last weekend, earned some time off after playing the entire season with the Reds. Genia was included in Australia's 22 as backup scrumhalf to rookie Nick Phipps, who will partner Giteau against Samoa.
Both starters this week know the Reds halves are almost guaranteed to be given the starting spots - assuming neither is injured - in the opening Tri-Nations Test against South Africa here next weekend.
"I'm not getting too ahead of myself. Quade's had a special year, so I think they're just resting him for Tri-Nations," said Giteau, who has played at inside center in recent Tests to make way for Cooper. "But it's still an opportunity to just go out there and play footy, and that's what I enjoy doing."
Reds speedster Rod Davies was also originally given the week off to recover from the Super Rugby final win over the Crusaders in Brisbane, but the 22-year-old winger was called up for his Test debut when James O'Connor was sidelined with a strained hamstring.
Digby Ioane, who will play on the opposite wing, is the only other Reds player in a below strength Australian XV.
The Brumbies dominate the midfield, with Pat McCabe and Adam Ashley-Cooper playing in the centers outside Giteau. Mark Gerrard was recalled for his first Test since 2007 to play at fullback, joining Phipps as the first players from the first-year Melbourne Rebels to play for Australia.
"Majority of the guys, it's been a while since they've played," Giteau said, "so everyone's really eager. Obviously, first opportunity to represent your country, so the boys are pumped.
"We feel confident. We know what we need to do. It's just a matter of doing it now."
Giteau has been rooming with Phipps in camp this week, and said the young scrumhalf wouldn't be overawed by the Samoans on Test debut, despite his rapid ascent from club rugby last year to the international stage.
Giteau has signed a three-year contract to play in the French competition with Toulon after the 2011 World Cup, so this season has special significance for him. Only players registered to Australian provinces are eligible for Wallabies selection, meaning off-shore players miss out.
"Absolutely. Being the year it is as well. World Cup year always brings that little bit more importance, significance," the 28-year-old Giteau said. "Leaving next year as well. It's a special year for me."
Giteau will also take on the kicking duties after O'Connor was sidelined and, combined with the playmaking role, is enjoying the responsibility.
"We want to start this test season with a bang. That's what we're hoping to do," Giteau said. Samoa are "a bit unpredictable ... they play a little bit more unstructured. They're physical. They like that physical confrontation. We've got to be ready for that."
While the Wallabies will be at less than full strength because of injuries and the need to rest Reds players, Samoa has named a side made up entirely of overseas-based professionals, including 11 who participated in the Super Rugby competition.
Sunday's match is still an important first step for Deans and his side, providing a benchmark and basis for future improvement.
Samoa will likely draw more from the match which forms the centerpiece of their World Cup buildup. None of their starting XV on Sunday took part in the Pacific Nations Cup and the match gives Samoa's coaching staff a chance to assess the form of their best lineup.
"We're pretty close to full strength but we won't be showing everything because hopefully we'll play Australia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup," assistant coach Brian McLean said. "We expect to be very competitive.
Australia have won all four previous meetings with Samoa, with the 74-7 win at Sydney in 2005 being their most recent encounter.
Teams:
Australia: 15 Mark Gerrard, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Nick Phipps; 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Matt Hodgson, 6 Rocky Elsom (captain), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu. Reserves: 16 James Hanson, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Dan Vickerman, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Beau Robinson, 21 Will Genia, 22 Kurtley Beale.
Samoa: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 6 Taisina Tuifu'a, 5 Daniel Leo, 4 Kane Thompson, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (captain), 1 Sakaria Taulafo. Reserves: 16 Tii Paulo, 17 Census Johnston, 18 Filipo Lavea Levi, 19 Manaia Salavea, 20 Brenton Helleur, 21 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu, 22 James So'oialo.