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Giteau warns English fans

Saturday 22nd November 2008

Giteau: 'The boos spurred me on'

England fans have been warned that any efforts to distract South African kickers at Twickenham on Saturday could backfire on them.

Australian fly-half Matt Giteau was heckled by sections of the crowd as he lined up kicks for goal during the Wallabies' 28-14 victory last Saturday.

Rugby Football Union president Brian Williams wrote to Australia's High Commissioner in London to apologise for the "bad manners" of those involved.

An announcement will be made before kick-off, accompanied by messages on the big screen and in the match programme, reminding fans to respect kickers from both teams.

Experts believe silence creates a more intimidating atmosphere - and Giteau revealed the jeers and whistles served as motivation as he kicked Australia to victory with six shots from seven attempts.

"When you're kicking, you try to zone out as many things as you can out. It wasn't something that I took personally but I suppose it gives you a little bit more satisfaction when you do kick the goals," said Giteau, who has a conversion rate of 85 per cent this year.

Giteau's six penalties last weekend equalled Michael Lynagh's record as the most by an Australian in a Test against England.