Matt Giteau still clinging to World Cup dream

[mudskipper]

MATT Giteau says he doesn't expect to be recalled to the Wallabies team to play the All Blacks this week in Auckland but will continue to push his case for a World Cup berth on the training field.

After being left out of the Wallabies' 22-man squad to play the Springboks two weeks ago, Giteau returned to action on Saturday with a stint in Brisbane club rugby but given Australia's big win over the Boks in Sydney, the out-of-favour playmaker isn't holding high hopes for a recall when the Bledisloe Cup team is chosen tomorrow.

"The way the guys played in that win against South Africa was really encouraging for Australian rugby, and you'd guess they're not going to mess with a winning side," Giteau said.

"My attitude is just to keep training hard, and to keep helping the side prepare as best as possible for the All Blacks."

If Giteau is again overlooked for the Wallabies' opening Bledisloe Cup clash, the challenge to secure a World Cup berth could keep getting harder due to a simple lack of game time to argue the 92-Test veteran's case.

With Robbie Deans due to finalise his 30-man squad in 18 days and only two Tests left to play, there is speculation Giteau is now pessimistic about World Cup selection.

But the 28-year-old told The Daily Telegraph he is still confident about his chances and aims to show as much in coming weeks.

"I feel like I am training well and I am certainly confident that if I got the opportunity to play I could step up and perform," Giteau said.

"It's a little bit unfamiliar for me, I have never really been in a situation like this. You just have to do the best you can in training, be as positive as you can for the group and whatever happens, happens. I guess we will just have to wait and see."

Many believe Giteau's value as a versatile, experienced inside back should see him make the World Cup squad, although the Samoa loss, Berrick Barnes' return and Deans pushing James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale as back-up five-eighths has cast some doubt.

Giteau turned out for a rare appearance in club rugby with a 30-minute stint for University in their Premier Rugby clash with Brothers.

Giteau said he was pleased with the solid hit-out.

"It was good, I wasn't able to train with the guys or anything but it was good to get out there for a run," he said.



http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1226105631684

[mudskipper]

That’s why he is a champ, he never gives up... he is a sportsman with self belief.

[sandgroperrugby]

Yeah just like Eric Moussambani Malonga

[theforceguy]

That’s why he is a champ, he never gives up... he is a sportsman with self belief.

Mate have you lost the plot completely ????? I would not even let him play in a WA club competition second grade and you still rate him in the Wallaby squad.
The time for loyalty to blasts from the past is long gone It is all about what you can deliver in the next game and has nothing to do with what you did in your last game

[slomo]

That’s why he is a champ, he never gives up... he is a sportsman with self belief.

And the brumbies finished where last season?......

[brokendown gunfighter]

Yeah just like Eric Moussambani Malonga

Eric the eel,my idol

[mudskipper]

And the brumbies finished where last season?......

Takes more than 1 player to lift a team... hand-solo

[RumourMonger]

Why would he not play for his ACT club side?

Loyalty is not a word that should be associated with these characters.

What is his connection with Brisbane Uni, other than $$$?

He's reaping the rewards of his mercenary habits; good riddance.

He'll go to France for lots of francs and hopefully we'll never hear of him again.

[zed]

Why would he not play for his ACT club side?

Loyalty is not a word that should be associated with these characters.

What is his connection with Brisbane Uni, other than $$$?

He's reaping the rewards of his mercenary habits; good riddance.

He'll go to France for lots of francs and hopefully we'll never hear of him again.

He's been immense for the Brumbies (pre-force) and the Wallabies. He was justified in leaving the Force and I think he's justified in going to France in the twilight of his career, doing what hundreds of other SANZAR players have done, gone north for the $$. There is nothing mercenary about that at all. A lot of people do that in everyday life, take the job that pays the most. And he hasn't whored himself around, he's only ever played for 2 clubs - Force & Brumbies. Considering his playing record and his Super rugby & Wallabies achievements, I think people should show him a bit more respect.

[RumourMonger]

And the answer to the question "Why would he not play for his ACT club side?" would appear to be because someone in Brisbane was offering more money.

Is that not mercenary?

Given the fact that he's already committed to playing in France for the cash why would he not play for his local club and put something back into community rugby? That's all I'm asking.

He'll be in the RWC mix whatever club he plays for.

[zed]

And the answer to the question "Why would he not play for his ACT club side?" would appear to be because someone in Brisbane was offering more money.

Is that not mercenary?

Given the fact that he's already committed to playing in France for the cash why would he not play for his local club and put something back into community rugby? That's all I'm asking.

Yeah poor form in that regard.

[shasta]

Yeah poor form in that regard.

Why has some sauce said he did it for money? Re his ACT club: He's actually registered with Balmain in Sydney Subbies and had to get clearance from them IIRC. The coaches probably told him that's not really the place to get quality game time. But good for drinking practice.

[zimeric]

the WC squad has been based out of Brisbane for the last 3 weeks... sometimes the simplest answers are the most overlooked...

[jt12]

has been a great player but others may have simply overtaken him, his decline probably started when he missed those two kicks - one to beat the poms and the other to beat Scotland(in front!!)

[Happy]

Mate have you lost the plot completely ????? I would not even let him play in a WA club competition second grade and you still rate him in the Wallaby squad.
The time for loyalty to blasts from the past is long gone It is all about what you can deliver in the next game and has nothing to do with what you did in your last game

cept for Dan Vickermann ?