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Matt Giteau awarded 2009 John Eales Medal
By Sam Broun
October 22, 2009
Wallabies fly half Matt Giteau has received a timely tonic for recent woes, winning the John Eales Medal, Australian rugby's highest individual annual award.
Giteau became only the second back to win the honour in its eight-year history, replicating former Test fullback Chris Latham's success in 2006.
The star playmaker has admitted disappointment at being overlooked by coach Robbie Deans for the Wallabies vice-captaincy and is also believed to be under pressure to keep his prized No.10 jersey with new vice-captain Berrick Barnes in consideration.
Giteau was surprised he took out the award.
"I didn't expect it. I was actually a little bit surprised to be nominated in the top five," he said.
"Huge honour, very happy with it.
"As a player you are always your harshest critic. To be fair I thought I didn't have one of my strongest Tri Nations but lucky the boys gave me some points."
Being voted the Wallabies best player of the past year by his teammates should be a handy boost for the 72-Test star's frame of mind heading into next week's Bledisloe Cup Test in Tokyo then the grand slam quest in Europe.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26247728-23209,00.html
By Sam Broun
October 22, 2009
Wallabies fly half Matt Giteau has received a timely tonic for recent woes, winning the John Eales Medal, Australian rugby's highest individual annual award.
Giteau became only the second back to win the honour in its eight-year history, replicating former Test fullback Chris Latham's success in 2006.
The star playmaker has admitted disappointment at being overlooked by coach Robbie Deans for the Wallabies vice-captaincy and is also believed to be under pressure to keep his prized No.10 jersey with new vice-captain Berrick Barnes in consideration.
Giteau was surprised he took out the award.
"I didn't expect it. I was actually a little bit surprised to be nominated in the top five," he said.
"Huge honour, very happy with it.
"As a player you are always your harshest critic. To be fair I thought I didn't have one of my strongest Tri Nations but lucky the boys gave me some points."
Being voted the Wallabies best player of the past year by his teammates should be a handy boost for the 72-Test star's frame of mind heading into next week's Bledisloe Cup Test in Tokyo then the grand slam quest in Europe.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26247728-23209,00.html