The Matt Gitaeu Saga

Recently there has been much debate as to whether veteran utility back Matt Gitaeu should or will be in the Australian squad for the World Cup. The 28 year old, 92 times capped player has hinted on his Twitter account, that not only has he been omitted form the squad which coach Robbie Deans officially announces tomorrow, but he will also retire from International Rugby.


These statements are not fact and have not been stated directly, but Gitaeu's wording on his Twitter account suggests the probability of both. If this is the case then not only will Australia lose out on a player who can offer multiple options and roles, but it is an extremely premature end to the International career of a very talented player and a great servant to Australian rugby.


Gitaeu was part of the team who lost to Samoa in a World Cup warm up game on the 17th July, playing in the pivotal role of stand-off. Australia were lacklustre to say the least, and Gitaeu was not on his best form, but is he being made a scapegoat by Deans for this embarrassing defeat?


As stated, Gitaeu played in the stand-off position, didn't manage to create much, and admittedly missed a vital tackle on Alesana Tuilaga for the Samoans' first try. Since the defeat, Gitaeu has not had a chance to redeem himself and put himself back in contention for a place in the World Cup squad, and during this time Quade Copper has shone in the Tri-Nations games. But is this enough reason to simply omit Gitaeu completely?


The back-line Gitaeu played with was very different to the one which Cooper has had. Gitaeu had relative inexperience in his scrum-half Nick Phipps, and he was the stand alone play-maker, which comes on the back of a topical article yesterday which stated at least 2 play-makers or competent ball handlers need to be in a back-line for attack to function to its best.


When Cooper had the stand-off role, the team was in general stronger, and he had the instrumental play-maker James O'Conner playing on the wing and Kurtley Beale at full back, taking the pressure off him in having to create everything. O'conner also took the kicking duties, so pressure was relieved for Cooper.


These points are all matter-of-fact, and Cooper has played well and deserves the starting 10 jersey, but since the Samoa game Gitaeu has simply been 'dropped'. Gitaeu can play at inside-cente and even scrum-half, yet there has been no chance for him to show these options at the most vital time for a player to be putting his hand up for International selection.


There are other contenders vying for a spot, in particular stand-off/centre Berrick Barnes and scrum half Nick Phipps. With scrum-halves Will Genia and Luke Burgess already involved, do the Wallabies really need Phipps, when Gitaeu can cover this position? Barnes is no doubt a talented player, but so is Gitaeu, and there is no reason both players can go.


Whether he starts or not Matt Gitaeu should partake in the World Cup. If other players are on better form they will get the nod, but injuries, loss of form and experience all mean that if needs be Gitaeu would be the man for stepping in when and where required.


Gitaeu has more than just experience. He can still be still a world-class player, he is reliable and has leadership qualities. He has a left footed kicking option, as well as his goal kicking, and a running game combined with great vision. He is a a player who with the right players around him can make things happen, and there is no reason he should not be going to the World Cup.