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Giteau happy with Barnes' effort at RWC
Monday Sep 17 19:25 AEST
No one's happier at Berrick Barnes' stunning effort in filling Stephen Larkham's huge boots than the man expected to take over as Wallabies playmaker - Matt Giteau.
Barnes was a revelation at five-eighth after injured Larkham's late withdrawal from the weekend's crucial World Cup pool win over Wales in Cardiff.
The eye-catching performance in his first run-on Test start has cemented the 21-year-old's place at No.10 until the 102-Test veteran returns from knee surgery in the knockout stages.
When the Wallabies left Australia late last month, Giteau was the first-choice back-up to Larkham and viewed as his long-term successor at No.10.
The Western Force had (???) also decided to move their multi-million dollar recruit permanently from inside centre to five-eighth in the 2008 Super 14. (Please no! And if so use Stanners not Junior at #12 )
But Barnes' ascension has changed the landscape, much to the delight of Giteau who feels most at home and gives more at No.12.
"I'm happy at 12 and I love 12 and I think it's the best thing for the squad when new guys come in, or are filling in, that there isn't too much disruption," he said.
"We can go about playing our normal game plan and that was the case (on the weekend).
"A guy like Stephen Larkham, who is a big part of the way we play, it didn't really make too much of a difference.
"That's not taking anything away from Bernie ... but it's more of a credit to Berrick with the way he slotted in and helped the side.
"Not just because I want to play 12, but I think for the squad, the depth of Australian rugby, it's a really good thing."
Barnes has received further positive news in his fast-tracked development with Sunday's opponents Fiji telling AAP they will field a second-string line-up.
The unbeaten Fijians are opting to rest their best XV, accepting a likely defeat in Montpellier, to ensure they are fresh for the final pool match against Wales in Nantes which will decide a quarter-final berth.
The news will ease the residue pressure on Barnes who is building a case to stay at No.10 until Larkham, who left hospital overnight, is fully recovered from his arthroscope.
The Wallabies, currently enjoying a two-day rest period, will also field their "B" side on Sunday.
Barnes sparked Australia's 32-20 win at Millennium Stadium when he stepped inside Duncan Jones and fed Giteau for the first try and then followed up with a 32m field goal.
While Barnes received most of the post-match attention and two-try hero Chris Latham the man-of-the-match award, Giteau was undoubtedly the best player on the field. ("Undoubtedly"? Well the MOM Selectors at least doubt it...)
The 24-year-old, to play his 50th Test if selected against Fiji, was delighted to have turned his form around after labelling his catching performance against Japan like "Edward Scissorhands".
"It was pleasing to I suppose get my World Cup started," he said.
"From a personal point of view I was very pleased and relieved to play some pretty good rugby out there."
The combination between Barnes and Giteau was one of the most pleasing things from the win over Wales.
"I think he's obviously a very intelligent player and has a lot of skill," Giteau said. "He was a good player to play outside of.
"Hopefully that combination gets better in the years to come."