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Western Force fans won’t have to wait long to see Matt Giteau play Super 14 rugby in Perth again.
- Tim Clarke
- May 18, 2009 - 2:14PM
The Wallaby superstar's first game for the Brumbies in 2010 is against the Force at its new home, Member’s Equity Stadium.
Giteau, who played his last game for the Force in an emotional farewell last Saturday night, will be moving his career but not his life to Canberra, retaining his house in Perth while playing for his new team.
He can expect a less than cordial reception from former fans and teammates for the season opener - with his swift return guaranteeing a full house at the East Perth stadium.
Departing Force scrum half Josh Valentine will be in a similar situation and Force fans will be desperately hoping young star James O'Connor stays in blue as he ponders an offer to follow Giteau to the nation's capital.
The 2010 draw, if it runs to the draft issued by SANZAR, has the Force starting with two home games in the first three weeks, with the Brumbies in round one followed by a trip to New Zealand to take on the Hurricanes in week two and a visit from the Chiefs to Perth in round three.
An early bye in week four will be a perfect preparation for a trip to Queensland to take on the Reds in round five.
The three home games in a row that follow, against the Waratahs, Bulls and Stormers, will give John Mitchell's team a great opportunity to set up their season at their new home.
An arduous last six weeks will see the Force on tour to New Zealand for two weeks, to play the Highlanders and Blues, a testing home clash with the Crusaders - and then the last three weeks of the season on the road in South Africa.
The tour will comprise games against the Cats, Cheetahs and Sharks - and likely determine if the Force can finally secure a place in their first Super 14 finals series.
http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/gite...0518-bcei.html