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Giteau to return to Canberra
Drew Mitchell Chief Rugby Correspondent | April 14, 2008
THE Western Force will soon announce that Matt Giteau will be heading back to Canberra after recuperating after suffering a horrific head knock when attempting to tackle Waratahs fullback Sam Norton-Knight in the 21st minute of Saturday night's Subiaco Oval match.
Giteau, who suffered his third bout of concussion this season, had to be stretchered from the field in a neck brace, but recovered quickly enough to return to the sideline during the half-time break. Even when leaving the field, Giteau was able to give a "thumbs-up" to the television cameras to indicate he had not suffered a serious injury.
A neurosurgeon told Giteau that he need to have some time off and sources within Western Force said yesterday that Giteau had told them he would be returning to Canberra for the week of the bye for rest and recuperation with his friends and family.
As Giteau is crucial to the Force's plans, the province is hoping his departure is short - especially as the fight for fourth finals spot has become more intense following their loss to the Waratahs on Saturday.
Giteau will return to Perth after the break to continue his goal of a Western Force semi final spot.