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Giteau's race against time

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:47

Wallaby flyhalf Matt Giteau is in a race against time to be fit for the Brumbies' opening match of the Super 14 season, after he damaged his quadriceps in pre-season training.

The Australian stalwart has made steady progress on the road to recovery, but there is still no guarantee he will be fit for the Brumbies' encounter with the Western Force in Perth on Friday.

According to reports he will travel with the team to Australia's West Coast, but a final call will be made later in the week, after he was unable to train with the Brumbies at the weekend.

"The medicos are happy with him, but he has not stretched out fully yet," Brumbies coach Andy Friend told The Australian newspaper.

"We'll wait until we get to Perth to make a decision. We'll get over there late on Tuesday and have a close look at him on Wednesday.

"If he doesn't train on Wednesday, there is every chance he won't be involved.

"If he is not right, there's no reason to force the issue."

If Giteau does not play, Wallaby Matt Toomua will play at No.10 and Christian Lealiifano at inside centre.

Friend was impressed with the Toomua-Lealiifano inside back combination in the Brumbies' 15-7 loss to the Waratahs in a trial game in Canberra last Thursday.

Australia captain and blindside flank Rocky Elsom (hamstring strain) and tighthead prop Ben Alexander (broken hand) have been cleared to play and will start against the Force.

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