Warning bells for NZ: Giteau looks good at 10
By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE - RugbyHeaven | Monday, 17 March 2008

MITCH'S MAN: The mulit-talented Matt Giteau has won over John Mitchell as a first five-eighths and could well play that role for the Wallabies.

Look for the Wallabies to pick up from the Western Force and play Matt Giteau at No 10 with his Force coach John Mitchell backing the highly-paid star in the playmaker's role.


In the absence of Nick Evans, Giteau tormented the Blues during the second half of the Western Force's 27-17 upset at Albany last weekend.

Giteau has the skills to play virtually anywhere and has appeared in test rugby at halfback, first five and mostly second five-eighths.

But Mitchell has embedded the multi-million dollar Giteau at No 10 in this year's Super 14 and believes that is where his many attributes are best displayed.

With the Wallabies still looking for a long-term successor to the retired Stephen Larkham, it's likely that their new coach Robbie Deans will follow his old mate Mitchell's lead.

Australian rugby has far more midfield depth than five-eighths stars and their current skipper Stirling Mortlock has already raised the possibility of shifting from centre to No 12 to allow Giteau to play first five.

Giteau's starring role hasn't surprised Mitchell. He believes the new rules are made for him and says the Wallabies' World Cup woes last year stemmed from an inability to give Giteau a busier role. Basically, he is the guy to spark things.

"He needed a bit more ball in his hands," said Mitchell of Giteau's quiet World Cup and the Wallabies' quarter-final exit.

"Under these new rules ... the more ball he can get in his hands, especially in second phase, he can have a real influence on the game.

"He sees things that other players don't see. He has a lot of skills and he brings a lot of energy to the side every time he gets the ball into his hands."

The Force have looked the best of the Australian sides through the opening rounds of the championship and have quietly moved up to No 5 on the points table.

They have a grand chance to consolidate things this weekend when they play the struggling Highlanders in Queenstown on Saturday afternoon.

Given the Highlanders' lack of a quality five-eighth Giteau could run riot there, especially given the Force's growing confidence.

A highly-competitive side on their South African sojourns, the Force nailed a breakthrough victory over the Blues in New Zealand.

There was obvious delight in the Force camp although Mitchell didn't show too much emotion as his foundations with the Perth franchise continue to strengthen.

"It's a positive belief," he said when asked what the win over the Blues meant to his team.

"Wherever you go you have to deal with what the game offers. This (win) brings confidence and momentum to the group. It's something that we have always been seeking but we aren't desperate."

Skipper Nathan Sharpe was a little more forthright: "We showed confidence and maturity that this team has been searching for.

"The Blues are probably the most powerful team across the board, so it's nice that we got across that and maintained our intensity.

"It's still very early days ... next week is a very important game for us. We talk about being consistent with the things that we do on and off the field. It's important to back this up with a very good performance against Otago (the Highlanders).

"After we play Otago we will have a better feel for where we stand."

Giteau is clearly getting a feel for first five-eighths and that could be a worry for the All Blacks down the line.