Giteau partnership helping Foley

Editor

Wallabies fly-half Bernard Foley has revealed how working with Matt Giteau is helping improve his game.

The two backs will combine when Australia face the USA on Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Giteau will win his 96th cap for the Wallabies this weekend and is on the verge of playing in his third Rugby World Cup after previously featuring in the 2003 and 2007 tournaments.

“He’s such a quality player,” Foley said.

“He’s versatile in what he does. Having the option of a left-footer as well definitely helps myself.

"Most of the teams that I’ve been involved in have been right-foot dominant and having that ability to change up your kicks and keep the defence guessing helps and his composure in the big games, his experience, is crucial and how he’s able to manage myself and the rest of the side — he’s very calming and cool and that gives us all confidence and belief.

"He’s got that background of playing at fly-half, he’s able to step in and play that first receiver role so definitely that allows me to play a little wider if he’s in there controlling the game.

“I don’t think you always want to be first receiver — you want to be able to be a bit versatile and play your own game even if that’s a bit wider in the outside channels.

"Having that ability to interchange and swap roles is really good for the side and keeps defences guessing.”