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Giteau a pivotal Force in backlineBy Bret Harris
January 30, 2007 AUSTRALIA utility back Matt Giteau is expected to make his debut for Western Force at five-eighth when it plays the Highlanders in the opening round of the Super 14 season in Perth on Friday night.
Giteau has spent most of his career with the Brumbies and Wallabies at inside centre, but he was successfully trialled at halfback on Australia's tour of Europe last November.
Many observers believe Giteau's best position is five-eighth and this may be the role that suits him the most at the Force.
Force has assembled a talented group of backs, but may require a player of Giteau's experience to guide them around the park.
Giteau has resisted playing five-eighth because of the responsibility of executing highly structured game plans but is more comfortable in the position when he can play instinctively.
He played five-eighth successfully in the win against Samoa in the Force's trial match in Perth on Friday and The Australian understands he is being seriously considered in that position against the Highlanders.
The features of his game were his work behind the ball, strong left-foot kicking and sniping runs.
Force's regular five-eighth last year, James Hilgendorf, missed the Samoan trial because of a groin injury, although he should be available for the Highlanders game.
The pairing of Giteau and his close friend Matt Henjak could help turn around the talented halfback's form after his disappointing season last year.
Junior Pelesasa played well at inside centre against Samoa, but the Force has the option of playing Scott Staniforth at inside centre.
Staniforth made a good fist of the position when he was moved there from the wing last season and finished the year playing in the No.12 jersey for the Wallabies against Scotland at Murrayfield.
He would form a big, powerful midfield combination with rugby league convert Ryan Cross, who is almost certain to start at outside centre.
Drew Mitchell is set to start at full back with Cameron Shepherd on one wing and Digby Ioane and the vastly improved Haig Sare competing for the other flank.
The Force's forward pack is reasonably predictable. Gareth Hardy, Brendan Cannon and Troy Takiari are expected to form the front row with captain Nathan Sharpe and Rudi Vedelago packing down in the second row.
Number eight Scott Fava and blindside flanker David Pusey are likely to form a back row combination with openside flanker Richard Brown, although David Pocock and Matt Hodgson are believed to be under serious consideration.