Matt Giteau says the Giteau Law should be changed
The same player that the Giteau Law was created for thinks the rule should be abandoned in World Cup years to give the Wallabies the best chance of winning the Webb Ellis Cup.
Rugby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The same player that the Giteau Law was created for thinks the rule should be abandoned in World Cup years to give the Wallabies the best chance of winning the Webb Ellis Cup.
Matt Giteau told Rugby Confidential while he understands Rugby Australia wants to keep their best players at home, the spin offs from winning the World Cup are so enormous that the 60-cap rule should be relaxed.
“It’s hard to say what the right answer is because I understand that we need to try and keep Australian rugby as strong as possible but in a World Cup year your goal is to win the World Cup,” he said.
“So why not have a bigger talent pool or try and pick the best players you can that are Australian and are eligible for the Wallabies.”
The Giteau Law was introduced in 2015 so Giteau could rejoin for the Wallabies at the World Cup that year even though he was playing club rugby in Europe.
The current rule only allows players who have represented the Wallabies at least 60 times to be considered for Test selection if they’re based overseas, eliminating players who might only be fringe players at the moment but could be needed in an emergency.
RA boss Raelene Castle said the rule won’t be altered even though South Africa have changed their mind and vowed to pick their best players.
“I can understand both arguments and I don’t know the right answer, which is why I’m not on the board,” Giteau said. “But in a World Cup year you probably want to have as many in the talent pool that you can choose from.”
GITEAU isn’t expecting another call up for this year’s World Cup although he will be Japan after signing on for another season with Suntory Sungoliath.
He has also offered to help the Wallabies if they need any tips, but quashing speculation he could replace Stephen Larkham as attack coach.
“Australian rugby is something I’m very proud of and I'd love to see the Wallabies do well and win the World Cup because it’s obviously the pinnacle of rugby,” he said. “So if there’s any way I could help I’d be happy to but from a formal side of things there’s certainly no contracts or any role that been proposed to me.”
POLOTA-NAU IN TALKS WITH TAHS
WALLABY hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau could be about to make a shock return to the Waratahs.
With Tolu Latu currently suspended after copping a six week ban for charging into a ruck against the Sunwolves last weekend, the Waratahs hooking ranks are suddenly looking thin.
Rugby Confidential understands that the Waratahs have begun talks with Polota-Nau about the possibility of luring him back to Sydney.
The veteran hooker is currently playing with Leicester but has been getting little playing time with the English club and would be welcomed back to the Waratahs with open arms.
Born and bred in Sydney, the 33-year-old spent seven seasons with the Sky Blues, playing in the title winning side in 2014, before a brief stint with the Western Force then the move to Leicester.
A popular figure, he would be a huge hit in Western Sydney with the Waratahs due to play three matches in Parramatta this season and being back in Australia would put in the frame for the starting jersey for the World Cup in one of the most uncertain positions in the Wallaby side.
GITS’ GUEST SPOT
GITEAU is currently back in Australia on holidays but has agreed to join his close friend Drew Mitchell as a guest panellist for Fox Sports for the next two weekends.
A natural on-air talent with a sharp rugby brain, Giteau appeared on Fox Sports last season and is upbeat about the direction the game is heading.
“I thought it was a good opportunity go out in there and talk rugby and promote rugby because there’s actually a lot of positives to be spoken about at the moment,” Giteau said.
“My only worry is if Drew has something planned to try and stitch me up and I won't be able to reply quick enough because it’s live TV.”
Foxtel launched its 4K Ultra HD rugby coverage last weekend and will show Saturday night’s Reds v Crusaders match on Channel 444.
Originally published as Matt Giteau says the Giteau Law should be changed
Just outstanding! The young guns on fire in Waratahs v Reds U15 battle
It’s a taste of things to come, a critical showcase for rising stars of rugby and the annual battle between the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds under 15s did not disappoint. Stars, photos
Rugby history! Australia’s rare result on New Zealand soil ‘special’
Rugby’s U18s rising stars have done something few other Aussie teams have managed in recent times - completing a shock and awe mission across the ditch for two wins. Stars, result wrap