Matt Giteau will play first five for the Western Force in next year’s Super 14 and could carry that role over into the Wallaby set-up.
He has already established himself as Australia's starting No 12 over the
past four years, as well as being trialled at halfback during different stages.But now with the retirement of veteran No 10 Stephen Larkham, there is a vacancy in the key pivot role with only a couple of inexperienced players such as Berrick Barnes and Kurtley Beale putting their hands up for selection. Barnes performed admirably for the Wallabies at the World Cup when Larkham broke down, yet he will need to perform consistently with the Reds in next year’s Super 14 to stake his claim.
Plenty of pundits believe Giteau is better suited to first five rather than the more physical nature of the midfield.
"The plan in Super 14 is to play at five-eighth, and then obviously if things go well from there maybe look to play five-eighth for the Wallabies," Giteau told The Australian.
"I just hope to be in there somewhere, but it is not really something I have thought about.
"I have only thought about Super 14 now, knowing my role here, and playing the best I can for the Force."
Despite his undoubted game-breaking ability, the 25-year-old admitted he has never been entirely comfortable with the decision making that comes with the role.
"It's something I did struggle with," he said.
"The set-up was great for a player like Steve Larkham, who was a freak, a once-in-a-lifetime player. The way he controlled games was something special.
"Next year I'll try and keep things simple so I can play instinctively but control the game as well.
"There's not much difference between five-eighth and inside centre. The main difference is from the set piece, but in phase play the positions are similar.
