Rugby: Giteau to skipper Brumbies for first time

Matt Giteau. Photo / Getty Images

Matt Giteau hopes to have a European deal secured by the end of the week, as he prepares to captain the Brumbies in Super rugby for the first time against the Chiefs on Saturday.

The 91-Test veteran has been linked with a move to France after this year's World Cup and was asked on Monday whether an overseas contract could be signed before the Super rugby kickoff.

"I hope so ... I'm not too sure. Hopefully it will be done and dusted and then I can worry about the Super 15," Giteau said.

Giteau has been named in his favourite position of flyhalf for the Chiefs clash at Canberra Stadium, but it's captaining the club he first played for in 2003 that has the playmaker most excited.

"I'm pretty proud to be doing that ... A Canberra boy ... obviously born and raised here, it means a lot," Giteau said.

The 28-year-old is filling-in for regular captain Stephen Hoiles, who is making his comeback off the bench from an achilles tendon injury.

Giteau played at No.10 as the Brumbies wrapped up their Super season preparations with a 21-21 draw against the Hurricanes last Thursday and is relishing the opportunity to run the backline on Saturday.

"I didn't want to demand where I wanted to play but just my preference is flyhalf and I'm fortunate enough to be there this weekend," Giteau said.

The elusive Giteau says he's been focusing on his running game and wants to help the Brumbies play a more attractive style this year.

And he has the right man to help him at the Brumbies in their former champion No.10 and Wallabies World Cup winner Stephen Larkham, who is the attack coach at the Canberra based club.

Giteau said he's thrived working with Larkham.

"It's just little things that he picks up, you try different things out there and different moves and you feel you've run it well and he might give you a little pointer to improve it," Giteau said.

The Brumbies will need the crafty Giteau at his best with a new-look backline that includes debutant's Robbie Coleman at inside centre and winger Henry Speight.

"While we do have a lot of younger guys, we still have a lot of experience in the right key areas," Giteau said.

Fijian born Speight, is one player Giteau is particularly looking forward to working with this season.

"He's a player with a lot of raw strength and power and likes to be physical and I think that's a great asset to have in your side," Giteau said.

"He's a strong guy, he's quick, he works hard and he's going to be a great finisher for us."

Brumbies team:

Pat McCabe, Henry Speight, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Robbie Coleman, Francis Fainifo, Matt Giteau (c), Josh Valentine, Ita Vaea, Julian Salvi, Mitch Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Dan Palmer, Steve Moore, Ben Alexander. Res: Huia Edmonds, Salesi Ma'afu, Stephen Hoiles, Colby Faingaa, Patrick Phibbs, Matt Toomua, Andrew Smith.