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Giteau sitting pretty in pink
Tim Clarke, watoday.com.au | March 19, 2009 - 5:38PM
Departing Western Force superstar Matt Giteau is sure his impending move to the Brumbies is not affecting his form - but he is less convinced about this week's move to pink jerseys.
The Force will play in the distinctly un-macho colour against the Sharks at Subiaco Oval on Saturday, to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA during the club's Ladies Day promotion.
They trained in the new shirts to get used to the hue today. Giteau said the giggles and the novelty were now out of the way and the Force were now getting serious for what could be the defining moment of their season.
"We are at the crossroads of the competition and we need this win before we go into the bye," Giteau said.
"If you lose this game going into the bye you get that distance away from the top four. A win and a good win will keep us in touch."
Giteau, who will also have pink boots made up for the game, was instrumental in dragging the Force back from the brink against the Crusaders last week. He said he was still committed to the cause despite his impending departure.
"A few of the boys are starting to take to me now - so that is a positive," Giteau joked.
"The biggest thing was to make sure that everyone felt comfortable about it, there were a few jokes and I think that is a good thing.
"And the side know I am fully committed to playing my best football for the Force this year."
John Mitchell made a raft of changes to his side's starting XV, with wingers Cameron Shepherd (ankle) and Nick Cummins (hamstring) ruled out and forwards David Pusey and Richard Stanford dropped to the bench.
Drew Mitchell, who has played the past three games at fullback, will revert to his customary role on the left wing, with 18-year-old James O'Connor named in the No.15 jersey for the first time at the Force.
O'Connor's move to fullback paves the way for Junior Pelesasa to return at inside centre, with Scott Staniforth named on the right wing.
Staniforth, who has endured a trying year on and off the field, is just eight caps away from a century in Super Rugby with just eight games to go this season.
"I feel like an 18 year old again - it is great to be back out there," Staniforth said
"There has been a few jibes, and I think Drew Mitchell really feels at home in it. There are a few boys that are feeling a bit too comfortable in pink.
"It would be great - there is eight games left, make the most of it this weekend, stay injury free and hopefully get there this year."
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...054988102.html