Giteau kicks his way into record books

Almost without notice, Matt Giteau earned himself a small slice of rugby history on Saturday when he kicked Australia to a 28-14 Cook Cup victory over England at Twickenham.

Giteau’s six penalties equalled Michael Lynagh’s record as the most by an Australian in a Test against the old enemy - and ultimately proved the difference in a desperately tight encounter that was only decided in the final 15 minutes.

The brilliant five-eighth is renowned for digging the Wallabies out of a hole with a magic pass here or decisive break there, but it has been Giteau’s kicking that has earned the 26-year-old the accolades on this spring tour.

All up in three Tests against New Zealand, Italy and England, Giteau has now nailed four conversions and 11 penalties - missing just three shots at goal from 18 attempts.

His 41-point contribution, including another 20 on Saturday, represents more than half Australia’s total of 72 points for the tour thus far.

“Gits has been in great form all year. He keeps banging them over,” Wallabies coach Robbie Deans acknowledged.

While the Wallabies pack received most of the credit for their dominant display against the English, hooker and man of the match Stephen Moore said Giteau’s contribution should not be taken for granted.

“Gits’ kicking was outstanding, as it’s been all year,” Moore said. “He puts the points on the ball. We just try to provide the platform.

“And they weren’t easy kicks, most of them, so full credit to him.”

Giteau said he relished the goalkicking responsibility and realised the importance of the role to the side.

“I feel like I’m starting to strike the ball really well consistently and that’s probably the biggest thing,” he said.

“If sides are ill-disciplined and giving away penalties, you’ve got to be able to capitalise on it.”

Super 14 tipping now live for sign-ups. Join now and invite your mates.

Free Email updates:

• Get a daily Rugby Union email

Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...

© 2007 AAP