Giteau - I feel fresh

Australia fly-half insists fatigue will not play a part against Wales

Last updated: 27th November 2008

Giteau - I feel fresh

Giteau: Set for Wales

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Matt Giteau has insisted fatigue will not play a part in Australia's clash against Wales, with the star fly-half claiming he feels "fresh and excited" ahead of the match.

The Wallabies finish off their tour of the northern hemisphere at the Millennium Stadium having already played New Zealand, France, Italy and England since leaving Australia back in October.

However Giteau, who has scored 401 points in 64 Tests, is in no mood to rest - and he is gunning for Wales.

Giteau, who has scored 45 points on the tour so far, said: : "I feel good physically. (Coach) Robbie Deans handles the workload pretty well.

"Among the group, everyone knows their roles by now.

"We've been together all year, so it is just a matter of managing your workload and making sure you go into each game fresh.

"So far, every game I have gone into I've been feeling very fresh and excited."

Having won all their matches against European opposition so far - they slipped up in the Bledisloe Cup tie against the All Blacks in Hong Kong - Australia are on the verge of their first unbeaten tour since 1996.

And although Giteau admits that fact will motivate the Aussie squad, the Western Force ace know it will not be easy against the Welsh.

"It has been a long time," said Giteau. "That just shows how tough it is to do it, and we've got that opportunity on Saturday.

Exciting

"We know Wales are an exciting side. They like to use the ball, and they are going well defensively.

"Against New Zealand last weekend they showed they can defend very well, and all 15 players they have in their side can use the ball.

"In the opening couple of minutes, they were going from side to side, throwing the ball and testing the All Blacks.

"They are a tough side. So far, we've defended well on this tour, but we need to step up again.

"Wales have made huge improvements over the last year, obviously winning the Six Nations, which they deserved.

"They are a side that likes to use the ball - as we are as well - so it should be a good game.

"Their defence has improved a lot, so I would say this week we will get less opportunities than we did against England or France.

"We are trying to play field position, and then when we get opportunities, that is when we try to strike."