Australia’s recent shellacking at the hands of a rampant Samoa outfit solidified what many people, experts and fans alike, have known for years: Matt Giteau is no longer an international standard fly-half.
His contributions and and commitment to Australian rugby over the past decade cannot be questioned. He has been a focal part of great Australian victories, and win or lose he can be relied upon to bust his gut every time he plays.
At his best he is a deadly ball runner with a crisp pass and tenacious defence. At his worst he is a selfish distributer with a sloppy pass and a sideways running style. For a long time these positive attributes were far more prevalent than the negative.
However, it is an inescapable fact that for the past few years his performances are consistently veering towards the latter.
Giteau has lost his nimble, fleet-flooted, direct running style and has instead opted for a crabbing, sideways pattern. Running straight and hard takes the pressure off your support runners, giving them the freedom to run a variation of speeds and lines which correspondingly puts the opposition defence in two minds and allows gaps to open up.
Giteau’s recent method makes the attack much more static, giving the defence the luxury of sitting back and hammering whichever poor soul receives the next Giteau hospital pass.
This happened countless times in the Samoa match. Of course he was not helped by the insipid efforts of his forward pack, who were utterly dominated in every facet of their play.
Playing behind such a pack cuts down the fly-half’s options dramatically. However, his Samoa performance was just one example among many.
During this year’s Super 15 Giteau once again tried hard (which is more than can be said for some of his Brumbies teammates) but his directionless, crabbing, flustered style was still evident for all to see.
It placed a huge amount of pressure on his outside backs, and the much vaunted Brumbies style of free flowing rugby was never allowed to be unleashed.
I put this down to a lack of confidence. I don’t know how and I don’t know why, but Giteau seems to have lost the ability to back himself. He still has the nimble feet and the sharp pass, but he lacks the ability to put them into action in an effective manner.
With this lack of confidence and purpose, he is simply not fit to run an Australian backline.
Of course, Quade Cooper is an absolute lock for the 10 jersey come Tri-Nations and World Cup time. But should he be injured, Giteau’s pedigree in the role would give him inside running for the replacement role. Not a very comforting thought.
So where to from here for Kid Dynamite? Many punters believe inside centre has always been the position best suited to his abilities.
Indeed, it seems the only person who doesn’t believe this is Giteau himself. And given our lack of depth in this position, such a placement would not be a bad idea.
He is defensively sound, and the removal of the playmaking pressure may allow him to return to his nippy, free running best. He’d have to play second fiddle to the incomparable Cooper, but if his ego can handle such a demotion it may do wonders for his game.
Others believe he is the perfect bench player. Such is Giteau’s adaptability that he can fairly easily slot into a number of backline positions and perform to a decent level. Even scrum half is not beyond him, though his effectiveness in such a role can be the source of much debate.
Finally, there’s that most dreaded of sporting positions: left right out. However, one thing we have learnt over the past few years is that coach Robbie Deans does not discard established veterans easily, so such a move may prove unlikely.
Of course much of this decision will depend on the players around him. How will McCabe progress? Can Fainga’a continue to link well with Cooper and Genia? Will Mitchell return and push O’Connor infield?
And what happens if Barnes is fit and firing?
I know what my ideal combination is. What’s yours?
Matt
Guest
Yes I agree he has never said no and that is probably part of the problem, we need the best team on the park, not individuals who "deserve" a number next to their number of test caps. As for your comparison to David Beckham, unlike Giteau, Beckham was brilliant for a large proportion of his career and can now reap the benefits having established his name as a global sporting superstar, so to be honest I don't see any comparison there at all. As stated in my earlier comment I still support Giteau and think he has a role to play for the Wallabies regardless of how many games he has played As far as AAC goes solid defence will not be enough this year and beyond, he lacks creativity and a good passing game and is way overrated imo.
mudskipper
Guest
Mat Giteau has played flyhalf when asked by whoever was the Wallabies incumbent coach of the time. He's always been a team player. Your comments are hearsay and without substance... He like Beckham will do what he is asked to do by his country and has never said no... Give him the 92 cap respect he deserves. As for AAC i think Deans is hoping to play himinto form, but time is running out. However AAC defence is always solid.
FredFunk
Guest
"the best way to stop SBW is with line speed and hard low tackles. The Reds showed this..." Ironic that nobody has spoken about the reds midfield as an option. Is a winning QLD 9-13 an option? There's 5 blokes who have just come off beating the best that Super Rugby could throw their way. If the side is truly picked on form, what's better form that winning the whole damn show? JOC will play wing - it is where he can go 1-on-1 and hunt for the ball positions that will not always result in turnover tries when he blows it.
Capital
Guest
Good article Drew Thanks
Matt
Guest
Giteau has only ever been a number 12 at test level. HIs career has been stalled by people either to stupid or to afraid to tell him that. I still think he is the man for inside centre but in saying that his confidence is probalby way down and although he wasnt half as bad as every one made out against Samoa he did throw some shocking passes to team mates that were in much worse positions than him and that's a big concearn for any inside back. Who ever they play at 12 I'm just prayin AAC won't be outside them because I think finding someone who can fill that role and break the defensive line consistently is our biggest concearn in the backline..
pjbreck
Guest
and to carry that on: the break down, scrum, lineout, drive, go forward, in fact all aspects of forward play. Believe it or not, i think Rocky needs to be in the Wallabies team. Not as captain he is not a leader of men. But he, when in form, has the agression that we need..
Capital
Guest
mud Not arguing for a change - :) Deans made selection decisions last week and the team were over confident IMO. One thing about Deans however, he has backed publicly Elsom, Giteau and AAC. So I would expect that when he finally says something as significant as above, he would stand by it - unless circumstances warrant a change such as serious injuries or drastic form reversals. And I agree, the forwards need to make ground, and start to dominate the break down.
mudskipper
Guest
Deans said that and said other staements which were proven wrong last weeknd. Giteau can play 9, 10, 12. If Deans is going to play a bench with only 2 backs and 1 is a specialist scrumhalf then the Wallabies are in troulbe and teh forwards need to harden up and do their work...
Drew Musch
Roar Pro
I'm guessing vaguely is referring to Tom Carter of the Waratahs and not Dan Carter of the Crusaders. Well, I sure hope so.
Capital
Guest
When Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was asked yesterday why Giteau could not even make the bench, he said: ''We've gone for a combination which we believe will be good for us, and we also believe we have the capability within the existing group to cover all those potential permutations around No.10 and 12. (That is with Cooper, McCabe, AAC - Ioane, Beale, JOC) and Faiinga and Phipps on the bench.
Capital
Guest
I will qualify that - 10 under any circumstances. 12 as run on player.
Capital
Guest
Damo, thanks - probably a bit rushed (dinner) I am not questioning his place in the squad, nor the 22 if warrants it. And I don't think he is the scapegoat - I think he had a chance to prove he was run on material and didn't prove to the Selectors that he was the right fit our campaign - in the 15. Nor am I questioning what I have seen this year, that the guys always gives 100%. Appreciate the Barnes issue - so be it. I don't doubt he will tour, play, but I am dead set against the guy playing 10, or 12.
Damo
Guest
capitAl Your points are okay, but 1 Barnes is not available at this point. Wishes and hopes don't count. 2 In the undesirable event of injuries to more than one back in the world cup, and at a time in the game when you may need a tactical kicker, Wallaby fans may be grateful that a Giteau and not some other is on the bench. His star has waned sure but his experience and commitment can't be bought. He deserves more than to be the scapegoat for the Samoan train wreckage. Robbie would be irresponsible to stamp him NOT TO BE SELECTED at this point.
Capital
Guest
mudskipper good points and fair comments The problem I see, as both a Brumbies and Wallabies fan is that Giteau cannot lift a team. As key pivot at 10, or second five at 12 he needs to be able to: 1. Control and dominate a game - which all great players do; 2. Provide a spark that has an ability to influence an outcome or situation; and 3. Provide leadership and maturity to enable the attacking players outside him to leave their mark. Unfortunately in 2010 - 2011, he is not the influence he was and would not rate as above average in any of these key areas. His tactical kicking is probably his greatest strength. But his link to his centres and his distribution does not give his attacking players the ability to penetrate the backline. His runs from 10 and 12 are normally close to the ruck and covered relatively easily. I appreciate his experience, but there are three players who factor higher than Matt. Point 1 - Barnes is probably a better choice in this role. And provides a great foil to Cooper. 2. This is probably where we lack most in the centres at present - though JOC adds this dimension. 3. Barnes is this person at 12. Add to the equation JOC who can cover 10 or 12 as well - both with speed, distribution and impact. Or Faiinga or McCabe at 12. I am sorry mud, I just don't think the guy will run on - or serve as a back up for Cooper, or be the second choice 12. His greatest strength is variety covering 9 10 12 13 and if I were honest, so can guys who are more chance of playing in the start up side.
jameswm
Guest
I agree Damo Giteau wasn't that bad, but the gulf between he and Cooper is enormous. Even JOC and Beale leave Gits for dead at 10. JOC should be the no.1 backup there. Then there's Barnes. He is good cover at 10/12 and seems to create more now.
Damo
Guest
Skipper, after reviewing the game last night I have some sympathy for your view. Giteau was not so much 'bad' as just 'not good'. He was surrounded by inexperience and led by a captain who was off his game leading a pack of forwards playing 'ok' individually but like chooks collectively. The problem with this game began when the Reds won a final spot. It was then that the top tier team with the bottom tier depth was exposed. Deans had to take some gambles. He had to play McCabe because he has few straight running centres. He had to play Timani (or similar) because he did not have first choices fit or available. He had to blood some potentials now or never. Don't get me wrong. That team should have won. But they didn't for a multitude of reasons other than Giteau's speed or passing. The reason's were 1 Samoa turned up in a big way. And I mean big. They played the game of a star team as the proverb goes. This is the greatest reason for W's demise. 2 Poor calls by captain to go for tries and attack experiments rather than turning territory into points. Epsom take an uppercut. Fixable problem. 3 Lack of unity in pack. Some small mistakes became bigger ones when W disunity met S resolve. Exascerbated by pressure caused by zero penalty points. 4 lack o unity meant rucks leaked like a sieve against the 80 minute Samoan wave. No longer can the wallabies count on big teams tiring in the last twenty. Or if they do OZ need to be in front first. 5 Ruck pressure, led to Phipps the rookie losing his way and giving poor service to Giteau. I like his style. He has a great pass. He is fixable. 6. Giteau had rookies on both sides, Phipps spreading the pressure from the ruck and the straight running McCabe following instructions under fire. Giteau is not Ella Larkham or Cooper. But he did not do much wrong that wasn't passed onto him by others. 7. From there the subs did their best but could not lift the side over the last 6 problems. There were too many talents on the field who took too much individual responsibility to save the team. Higginbottom and Beale looked electric. Vickerman can get fit at his club and will be great back up later. Giteau was courageous and there for most tackles and the pass that gave him a try. The criticism against him seems to be for not being able to lift the whole team by himself. Genia could not lift that team when he came on. Why do people expect Giteau to? He will be worth his weight in gold in a must win WC game as an experienced utility with guts and talent in the last 10 mins. Those screaming for his head probably did not get hammered by 22 Samoans on Sunday nor have his passion after 92 tests. Giteau should remain in the mix. Disagree with his selection But give the man due respect
mudskipper
Guest
I must say the press about Giteau is disrespectful. Columnists without a soul or conscience would amongst their peers at the “News Of The World”. Matt Giteau has played 92 tests for Australia; he has shouldered the most difficult role as playmaker and goal kicker for most of those caps. He has always been in the headlines form kid-dynamite to veteran flyhalf. He is in his last season of his Wallabies contract and still wants to push to do his best for his country at this RWC. I’m quite sure he is pleased there are younger guys to take his place and shoulder the responsibilities he as carried for our team. No player is here for ever and most will never get close to 92 international caps. I think Matt Giteau should be given some respect from the media and rugby public. He will be talked about long after many have been forgotten. I can’t see the All Blacks farewelling Dan Carter in the same manner. It’s disgraceful. Deans is working out if he wants McCabe or Faingga as a 12 option for the Wallabies. Giteau will be in the 30 man squad because there is on better to step in and cover Quade Cooper in 2012.
pjbreck
Guest
I agree g, what are you thinking John? Tom Carter, please! Other than my opinion, he is not a Deans type player.
B-Rock
Roar Guru
Rob Horne is the goods - dont think he will be back for the WC though When fit he is a lock for either 12 or 13
Steve
Guest
In your back up to Carter you forgot about Colin Slade who came on in the Bledisloe cup last year and did a much better Job that Giteau over the weekend, he gets his chance this weekend again against the Fijians. As a Kiwi I am concerned about losing Carter, the Crusaders proved they could win without him and McCaw for much of the year. I would be much more concerned as an Aussie to loosing either Genia or Cooper as the next level is a fair way behind these 2.