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Pivotal danger for Giteau
By Iain Payten in Johannesburg, South Africa
August 30, 2008 ROBBIE Deans is confident big-game centre Timana Tahu can handle the Test cauldron of Ellis Park but will pray nothing happens to the valuable star alongside him when Australia take on South Africa.
An injury to Berrick Barnes has given Tahu his first start for the Wallabies, but also left Australia in the precarious position of having no recognised back-up for No.10 Matt Giteau in their 22-man squad.
Though some have filled in at club or school level, no other player in the Wallabies backline or on the bench has played five-eighth at a professional level.
But an injury to Giteau will see one player thrust into the hotseat at Ellis Park as the Aussies chase a first Test win there since 1963.
It is understood reserve half-back Brett Sheehan is the man covering five-eighth in the event of a Giteau mishap, although a cagey Deans wasn't giving many clues on Test eve.
"I will leave that for you to guess. We have something planned," Deans said.
"We are pretty confident we can do it, we have some blokes who have played in that position previously. Obviously you wouldn't deem them to be specialists, but I have every confidence that should that arise we have a contingency that's good to go.
"I don't see any need to disclose it."
With only outside backs on the bench and Tahu in only his third Test, other options for a back-up five-eighth are thin on the ground. They might include versatile full-back Adam Ashley-Cooper, centre Stirling Mortlock, wing Peter Hynes or perhaps, if desperate, skilful flanker George Smith.
Deans' sheepish response and the clear lack of experience in the position, however, indicates the Wallabies must do their best at protecting Giteau and keep every available finger and toe crossed he doesn't pick up an injury.
Before the Wallabies flew into Johannesburg Friday, the coach was far more expansive in his assessment of Tahu's readiness, however.
Deans said Tahu - who has won an NRL premiership, played State of Origin for NSW and represented the Kangaroos - is a seasoned campaigner in big matches and would relish the new challenge of a Springboks Test at Ellis Park.
"He is a very experienced oblong ball player, if you like," Deans said. "He is really excited about getting a start, and playing in this sort of context - playing against South Africa at Ellis Park, something he has been aware of since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. Obviously it has always been an ambition of his, hence the choices he made around the codes.
"You don't achieve, or have the longevity he's had in any sport, without loving the challenge. Or without wanting to be tested, and being prepared to put yourself outside your comfort zone to do that."
Along with being historically significant, a big Australian win in this Test could potentially set up a Tri-Nations tournament win. If the Wallabies collect a bonus-point win against the Boks, they will go four points ahead of New Zealand heading into the decider on September 13.
This could open up the possibility of Australia losing in Brisbane but still claiming victory if they take a bonus point, and deny the Kiwis one.
But, given Australia have only scored 10 tries in their past nine Tests at Ellis Park, the Wallabies face an uphill battle to score four tries. They know just beating the Boks will be hard enough given the hammering the hosts have copped this week.
Having lost four from five Tri-Nations games this year, the South African fans and media are fired up about their struggling team and coach and the Australians are wary of the backlash.
The Boks have made just two forced changes because of injury - prop Brian Mujati and wing Odwa Ndungane - and stuck with the same maligned troops.
Deans said he'd gone for Tatafu Polota-Nau and Phil Waugh for an "injection of freshness and enthusiasm" against a Springbok side with their backs firmly to the wall.
"The Springboks will play out of their skins essentially. They will bring everything they've got, because they won't enjoy their current circumstance. And when you have that sense of being cornered, you bring everything you've got," Deans said.
"We saw last week we were able to deny some of that pressure early on, and that will be important again. There will be some significant challenges coming at us."
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