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Spectator . . . Injured star Matt Giteau (quad) is racing against time to be fit for the Super 14 opener against the Western Force next Friday. Photo: Richard Briggs Giteau battling to recover in time Matt Giteau’s recovery from a quadriceps injury is taking longer than expected, leaving the flyhalf in serious danger of missing the Brumbies’ Super14 opener. Giteau was unable to train yesterday, watching on as his teammates continued their preparations for Thursday night’s trial against the NSW Waratahs. Giteau strained his quad while running eight days ago. Brumbies medical staff had hoped he would be fit to return to light running yesterday but the 27-year-old was left frustrated on the side-lines, capable only of playing the role of spectator. Brumbies physiotherapist Tim McGrath confirmed the marquee recruit was improving daily but would not be rushed back into running. “Our guide for these types of injuries is we want the player to be able to do a body weight lunge pain-free before we progress them to running,” McGrath said. “Gits was a bit hesitant with that. He attempted one Sunday but certainly wasn’t pain-free. He attempted another one [yesterday] and while it was definitely improved, he still felt some pain. “If he wasn’t to play round one, he’ll definitely be fine for round two.” While Giteau was never in contention to line up against the Waratahs at Viking Park in two nights’ time, he was originally confident of facing his former Western Force teammates in the season-opener on February12. In the event of his absence, the flyhalf role will be filled by either Matt Toomua or Christian Lealiifano. Canberra Times

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Giteau battling to recover in time