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Mitchell faces player revolt
David Long, Sunday News | September 7, 2008 - 9:14AM
Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell has been hit by a Wallabies player revolt.
Mitchell - sacked by the NZRU after the 2003 World Cup - is set to lose at least two key Australian internationals from his Western Force Super 14 side.
And for inspirational first-five Matt Giteau, the crisis over his playing future couldn't have come at a worse time.
Giteau should be focusing on Saturday's Tri-Nations showdown against the All Blacks in Brisbane and his battle with opposite number Dan Carter.
But he will now be forced to answer questions about his bust-up with Mitchell and pending return to the Brumbies.
A Force source has confirmed Giteau is one of a number of players at the Perth-based franchise who have become sick of Mitchell's ways.
Dropped Wallaby lock Nathan Sharpe is another set to end his ties with the franchise.
Both are desperate to escape Mitchell, who Sunday News understands has lost the ear and respect of some Force players.
Giteau doesn't agree with Mitchell's coaching style or the way he handles the players.
"Giteau hates Mitchell,'' the source said.
"He wants out of the Force and wants to head back to the Brumbies or go to the Waratahs.
"There's quite an anti-Mitchell sentiment among some of the players, they're sick of him.
"Mitchell talks it up very well and he impresses people when he meets them but then he starts his (mind) games and that tends to put people off.
"The longer he's at an organisation, the more bad sentiments come towards him.
"It's got to the point now where some players don't even listen to him."
Mitchell missed out on continuing with the All Blacks after his side lost in the semifinals of the 2003 World Cup.
NZRU officials had become concerned with his reluctance to co-operate with team sponsors.
And his former team manager Andrew Martin accused Mitchell of overseeing a drinking culture within the All Blacks on the 2001 tour to Europe and Argentina.
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/s...725819972.html