Wallabies abroad: Giteau to make Top League debut

Fri, Aug 18, 2017, 12:55 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Matt Giteau will make his Japanese debut. Photo: Getty Images
Matt Giteau will make his Japanese debut. Photo: Getty Images

Wallabies centurion Matt Giteau is set to make his Top League debut on Friday night, named for Suntory.

Giteau will unite with fellow Wallabies legend George Smith in the defending champions’ side, when they take on the Canon Eagles in their season opener.

Adam Ashley-Cooper will come off the bench for Kobe Steel in his first Japanese outing, after he was released from his Top 14 side Bordeaux last season.


Anthony Faingaa will start at outside centre for Kintetsu Liners, against a Toyota Industries Shuttles, led by his former Reds teammate Sam Greene.

There’ll be no David Pocock in round one, but Berrick Barnes will steer Panasonic at flyhalf, among a number of Aussies in the Wild Knights.

Digby Ioane, who previously played for the relegated Honda Heat, will come off the bench for last year’s runner-up side.

Capped Wallaby Daniel Heenan will be at lock for Panasonic in the matchup as well.

The French Top 14 will get underway next weekend, with the UK Premiership and Pro14 kick off on the first weekend of September.

Share
Force 'heart and soul' Pomare set to reach rare Super W milestone
Michael Hooper is excited about the challenge of playing Sevens in Hong Kong. Photo: Nick Holland/RA Media
'Rookie' ex-Wallabies skipper Hooper ready to step up Sevens unknown
'Brumbies DNA': Wallabies selections on the line for Reds clash - Larkham
'It's pretty hard to leave an environment like this': Jorgensen eager to commit future to Waratahs