Connolly confirms Giteau will trial at half-back

[NewsBot]

Connolly confirms Giteau will trial at half-back

Wallabies coach John Connolly says he is likely to trial Matt Giteau at half-back during the team's upcoming European tour.

[blindsid3]

and 5/8th and Inside Centre...

"Gits will be part of our World Cup side next year. It's for us to explore just where so he'll play time at halfback, fly half and inside centre," Connolly said.
(http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-23217,00.html)

[Happy]

that's what this tour is about - experimenting!

[The InnFORCEr]

that's what this tour is about - experimenting!

Are you talking about The Wallabies Europe Tour or The InnFORCEers NSW-ACT Tour

[MBrogan]

not good! This will give O'young even less screen time then before.

[Sagerian]

that's what this tour is about - experimenting!

I thought that's what College was for?

[vortextua]

The more players covering more positions the better, as players will need to pull their fingers out to get a game.

[frontrow]

Sure some players will struggle to be able to make an impression, which basically means they have to be performing in top gear from the get go to maintain thier position in the team. Rotating positions has its merits, and as there are more players able to play in a variety of positions within the backline, then we should be capatalising on this ability and mix it up, so no one becomes stereotyped, for want of a better word....Unfortunately the forwards have more specific requirements for the specialist positions played,and changes in forward packs can often lead to serious injuries, so it is not uncommon for mediocre players such as Al Baxter( for you Burgs) to keep his place in the team for a longer period of time than his ability warranted...Now that we have more players to choose from, we should blood all available talent so replacements can be found with relevant experience to fill the void...Comments any one...

[The Lone Hydrangea]

No need to, you got it in one mate.

[Shaun]

and 5/8th and Inside Centre...
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5/8 in flyhalf...

well i would not mind gits at flyhalf... if he starts to play at flyhalf often for the wallabies i think mitchell will move him to flyhalf for the force as well

[JediKnight]

But is fly-half his best position in a balanced back-line?

[Burgs]

But is fly-half his best position in a balanced back-line?

In a modern backline I don't think so J-K.
For me, if the experiment works then great, but at the moment his only real option is at #12.
I think his defence isn't strong enough for a modern #10 but his "fleet-footedness" is ideal at #12 if he has bigger players on either side to balance his inspiration with good honest grind..

[JediKnight]

I agree with Burgs. At 12, his smaller size can be compensated with bigger players & an agressive back row. At 10, there is too much focus & pressure on territory & positional play. As much as I hate to use the analogy...look at Mike Catt....he did nothing at 10 but with the pressure off at 12 he was able to offer the alternative kicking option and could make the break one step away from the opposition back row.