There are few bigger stages in rugby than a World Cup knock-out final and when it doubles as a milestone match, the spotlight is even more intense.
Wallabies inside centre Matt Giteau proved himself once again as a big-game performer with his man of the match turn in the Wallabies win over Scotland, earning the praise of many teammates.
As well as generating some attacking drive, Giteau’s kicking game proved pivotal at times against Scotland and he fittingly had the final touch of the game, booting the ball into touch.
It was a showing that Wallabies replacement halfback Nick Phipps said provided little surprise to his teammates.
“Of course he did (play well),” he said.
“Him and Squeak are both inspirational to our team.
“Without them we’d be substantially different, so we’re quite lucky that we’ve got both Gitty and Squeak (captain Stephen Moore) there leading the ship around on their 100th.
“Blokes like that you look to in the tough moments and they definitely stood up.”
A very special moment for Matt Giteau in the sheds after the gritty win over Scottish Rugby, the 33 year old presented his 100th Test cap! Tune in at midday to see skipper Stephen Moore receive his! #StrongerAsOne
Posted by Wallabies on Sunday, 18 October 2015
Phipps said the milestone pair of Giteau and captain Stephen Moore were in the back of their minds as the clock ticked down.
“We all definitely didn’t want to let those two down. They didn’t deserve that,” he said.
“Them and the whole group didn’t deserve to go out like that.
“We were always thinking about each other and what we stand for out there on the field.”
The Wallabies scrum was put under the most pressure it has been in this tournament but lock Kane Douglas said the form of the side's proved vital.
“A few of the scrums didn’t go our way and things like that so the backs really stood up," he siad.
“Gitty was one of the best players, I mean he was man of the match, so he was good.”
Australia has a seven-day break before their semi-final agasint Argentina at 4pm next Sunday (3am Monday AEDT).
