Hickey relieved Giteau is at No.10
Greg Growden
March 24, 2011
CHRIS HICKEY will not be upset if the Brumbies stick with Matt Giteau at five-eighth for Saturday night's crucial match, as the Waratahs coach believes it is not the Test veteran's best position. Hickey says Giteau will provide greater danger to NSW at Canberra Stadium if he plays at inside-centre.
In a tumultuous season for the Brumbies - head coach Andy Friend was sacked after just two rounds - Giteau has been criticised for his fluctuating form and leadership, with calls for him to be moved to inside-centre to stop the team's slide down the Super Rugby ladder.
However, the Brumbies are expected to reveal this morning that Giteau will remain at five-eighth, while Christian Lealiifano is scheduled to have his first run-on start at inside-centre.
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Adam Ashley-Cooper is expected to be moved from outside-centre to fullback, with Pat McCabe going to outside-centre.
Despite the anticipated reshuffle, some parts of the Brumbies attack don't seem to bother the Waratahs.
''To be honest, I would prefer to see [Giteau] picked at No.10, because I actually think he is a better No.12 than he is a No.10,'' Hickey said yesterday. ''I believe that some of his best performances have been at No.12, rather than No.10. Most of my observations would revolve around his performances with the Wallabies. He has played some terrific games at No.12.
''But it is a bit different when you come back to your club side or province, and you have to do what is best for the team. Sometimes that means playing out of position. Still, quality players, no matter if they are at No.s 10, 12 or 13 or at fullback, will make a pretty significant contribution to the game.''
Hickey still believes the anticipated Brumbies midfield moves could provide some dilemmas.
''Ashley-Cooper is probably their best strike player, so at fullback he will get a bit more room to play,'' Hickey said. ''I have seen McCabe play No.13 for Warringah, and he does a pretty good job there. So they won't lose much in that, while with Lealiifano - he brings a bit of the unknown. He is such a good ball player, they can play him on one side of the ruck and Giteau on the other.''
Hickey yesterday named a 24-man squad, and will wait until after this morning's training before deciding whether injured hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau (knee) and captain Phil Waugh (biceps) will be in the starting XV. The Waratahs are also expected to make midfield changes, with Ryan Cross scheduled to regain the No.13 position, which will result in Lachie Turner returning to the wing in place of Atieli Pakalani.
''We're confident Phil will play, and if Tatafu can train in the morning, then he will be our starting [hooker] option,'' Hickey said. '''As Tatafu is so important, we've decided to give him until tomorrow morning.''
Hickey said it was imperative that Polota-Nau be fully fit.
''This also involves his long-term situation,'' Hickey said. ''I'd hate to think we bring him back for the Brumbies and then he is out for a month, or something like that. Even though it is early in the season, it does have the potential of being a defining match.
''But when you're making decisions about key players like Tatafu and Phil, you've got to remember we do have another 12 weeks to play as well. And you always have to consider the welfare of the player.''
The Rebels, meanwhile, have made the surprise move of selecting back-up halfback Richard Kingi to replace the injured Julian Huxley at fullback against the Hurricanes in Melbourne tomorrow night.
Former Wallabies prop Rodney Blake will also play his first game for the Rebels, replacing Nic Henderson in the front row. Henderson is being rested.
