28 Aug 2009

Giteau vows to step up

7:45 am on 28 August 2009

Off-key Wallabies first five eighth Matt Giteau has shouldered much of the blame for the gut-wrenching 19-18 Tri-Nations loss to the All Blacks and is working overtime to make amends against South Africa.

He'll have to do it without playmaking partner Berrick Barnes on Saturday night however.

While coach Robbie Deans has made four changes to his starting team, his five-eighth's kicking in general play was another area he pinpointed for improvement.

With the concussed Barnes ruled out and Adam Ashley-Cooper taking his place at second-five, Australia will rely more heavily on Giteau's tactical kicking against the world cup holders.