Matt relishes his second international opportunity

MATT GITEAU readily admits that part two of his punctuated Test career matters more to him than the far longer part one. That is perhaps no surprise, given that Australia altered their selection policy in his honour.

The decision — made earlier this year — to allow veteran Wallabies who have moved abroad to carry on representing their country was quickly dubbed ‘Giteau’s Law’. There were others who the rule change affected, principally his great friend and Toulon team-mate Drew Mitchell, but the decision to consider certain experienced exiles was seen as a means for Australia coach Michael Cheika to recall a playmaker of enduring brilliance.

Since his second coming as a Wallaby, Giteau (below) has played four matches, taking his overall tally to 96.

Having been left out of the squad for the last World Cup by the Kiwi in charge, Robbie Deans, he was angry and stormed off to France. But since then, he has mellowed and gained perspective.

Asked if this phase of his Australia career means more, he said: ‘Much more. I started taking it for granted, which is a terrible place to be. While I was away I realised how special that opportunity to play for your country is and now I’ve had this second birth to experience that, it’s something I don’t take for granted. It’s not something I feel I deserve, it’s something I have to earn and keep earning.’

In reference to his omission prior to the 2011 tournament, Giteau added: ‘I felt bitter initially, but moving away and having kids allowed me to get more perspective. I realised that I wasn’t good enough at that time and the coach didn’t pick me, it’s as simple as that.

‘At the time I was bitter but I now know that I had no reason to be and that happens with maturity. I’d always been picked, even if my form didn’t warrant it. It was a one-off, a rarity; that I wasn’t picked at that time and I reacted poorly.’

Australia face England and Wales in daunting Pool A, but Giteau is relishing the prospect. ‘I’m very confident and excited about the squad that we’ve got,’ he added.

‘We’ve got huge games in that pool. I can only see it as good for rugby.’