Giteau to miss Super 14 opener

[mudskipper]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...11/2816999.htm

Posted February 11, 2010 16:02:00


Injury casualty: Matt Giteau has failed to bounce back from a quad niggle.

Brumbies fly half Matt Giteau has been ruled out of tomorrow night's opening Super 14 against against former club Western Force in Perth.

Giteau has failed to recover from a quadriceps injury.

Wallabies tourist Matt Toomua will take his place in the starting XV.

More to follow shortly.

---------- Post added at 13:54 ---------- Previous post was at 13:37 ----------

Giteau ruled out of Force match

Thursday, 11 February 2010
A Brumbies Propaganda Initiative

Brumbies playmaker Matt Giteau has been ruled out of the CA Brumbies’ opening Investec Super 14 fixture against the Western Force in Perth tomorrow night.

Giteau sustained a quad strain almost three weeks ago and has been racing the clock to be available for selection to play against his former side.

The 27-year-old says the opening fixutre was one he had been excited about throughout the pre-season.

“I’m obviously very disappointed as it was a game I was really looking forward to,” he said. “You want to be available for the first game of the season and when you’ve got history [with the Force] like I do, it was a match I was really keen to be a part of.

“But I said from the outset that I wouldn’t play if my injury was going to jeopardise the performance of the team. As it happens, that decision has now been made and I’ll now start my preparation for the Bulls.

“Matty [Toomua] and Christian [Lealiifano] were impressive at 10 and 12 last week. They’ve trained well again in those positions this week and they’re forming a strong combination there.”

Friend says coaching and medical staff eventually opted to err of the side of caution.

“Matt’s one of the best flyhalves in the world so we were keen to give him every opportunity to play,” he said. “While he did respond well to his rehabilitation, the decision was made not to risk aggravating the injury and sidelining him for an extended period.

“It was always going to be touch-and-go. When he originally strained his quad we were told it was a 21-day recovery and he had 19 days to the Force match. As it turns out, he’ll now receive an additional eight days before his first match of the season in Pretoria.”


Brumbies v Western Force
Members Equity Stadium, Perth
Friday, 12 February 2010
Kick-off: 7.05pm local time (10.05pm AEDST)

1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Guy Shepherdson
4. Mark Chisholm
5. Justin Harrison
6. Rocky Elsom
7. George Smith
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)

9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Toomua
11. Francis Fainifo
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Pat McCabe
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper

Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Salesi Ma’afu
18. Ben Hand
19. Mitchell Chapman
20. Patrick Phibbs
21. Tyrone Smith
22. Alfi Mafi

23. Afusipa Taumoepeau

[Tazzmania]

A bit of poetic justice?

It seemed unfair to be having Gits as an "enemy" so soon after he left us.

While sad he is injured, I am glad he is not yet playing against us.

Later in the year or next year will give us time to see him as the "enemy" and accept it, as I for one still have too much respect for him and fond memories of the last three years to accept him as being on the "other" side.

[AndyS]

That's a pity, although a cynical person might also say it is a smart tactical move too....

[GIGS20]

I'm exactly that cynical.

I hope we can hold them now, not so sure with Matty Toomua's hand on the tiller!

Such is life, we have to man up now!

[Garfiep]

What a shame I was really looking forward to Gits playing. When he is ‘on song’ he is a delight to watch and I am sure the Force were relishing the opportunity of playing against him

[PerthGirl]

Disapointed he not playing. We mustn't make the mistake of thinking that it's going to be an easier game without him, the Force players would know Git's game pretty well but Toomua is not so well known. Hopefully the pressure will get to him and we'll be able to take full advantage

[Happy]

I'm exactly that cynical.

I hope we can hold them now, not so sure with Matty Toomua's hand on the tiller!

Such is life, we have to man up now!

you changing your name at all GIGS?

[KenyaQuin]

Was looking forward to a disappointed Giteau after the final whistle. Oh well..

[jazza93]

Good news, i'll be tipping the force now.

[Burgs]

Suddenly a bit of a Dad's Army backline on paper but they are a better team for it and will be hard to beat.

[GIGS20]

you changing your name at all GIGS?

Nah, I'm spending time looking for another set of words which fit the acronym

[mudskipper]

Suddenly a bit of a Dad's Army backline on paper but they are a better team for it and will be hard to beat.

Dads Army backline WTF ... you must be talking about the Force...

With Gits out you just now need to worry about your line-out throws, a 3 prop scrum, Crossys cracked sternum, a Sheehan brain explosion and Bart who spent hours watching Giteau tapes and now he's not playing, oops.... And crowd favorite Rabbit who wont know where on the field to stand...

Its not surprising Andy Friend has decided that Giteau presence is not crucial to secure a win...

[Sheikh]

Nah, I'm spending time looking for another set of words which fit the acronym

Gits Is Getting Scared?

[Burgs]

You ever watch Dad's Army mud?
There was a mixture of old crocks AND young inexperienced.
Either way, it is without a star but a better combination, if only it had happened in WA three seasons ago.

[slomo]

looks like we got rid of him at the right time, unfit for game one!!.....