Matt Giteau: 'He doesn't shy away from the tough stuff'

Two-Test Wallabies loose-forward Charlie Cale has made it clear with his performances that he’s raring to go for an international campaign with the Wallabies in 2026, scoring a double in both of the Brumbies’ opening two games in Super Rugby Pacific.

Cale kicked off the season with an impressive try-scoring performance against the Force in Perth during round one, before backing it up with two more against the Crusaders in their first victory in Christchurch for 26 years.

The 25-year-old has showcased what he’s capable of with ball in hand during these two performances, especially with his quick tap against the Force, and his initiative to take the ball the opposite direction from the back of the scrum against the Crusaders.

Matt Giteau, who played 103 Tests for the Wallabies, spoke to Sport Nation NZ on Monday about Cale’s performances in the opening rounds, and how much Cale’s growth has impressed him.

“Charlie Cale, like he’s just an athlete, his GPS numbers, when you see him run he’s up there at the top end, with the backs,” Giteau told Millsy and Guy on Sport Nation NZ.

“Now he’s got that acceleration, that power, but he doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff as well, which is what I like about him.

“He seems to have gotten his back better, and he’s flying at the moment. I think he’s on five tries, or eight even, including three against the Waratahs in the preseason, so he’s a dangerous player.”

Giteau admits that he also likes what he’s seen from Brumbies first-five Declan Meredith, who after the first round against the Western Force, was sitting second equal in the competition’s Player of the Year voting table.

“Declan’s a local boy. He’s hungry just for knowledge and to constantly improve and get better. This year, I’ve seen it firsthand, just with my limited involvement with the coaching staff there, when I come in, do some kicking with them, he’s just a really down to earth player.

“But he’s constantly hungry to just get better, and the teams performing well. He’s leading them around really well,” Giteau said.

With the Rugby World Cup in Australia just over a year away, the former Wallabies stalwart is happy where the Australian sides currently sit, but isn’t getting too far ahead of himself.

“I know this the radio talk show, so I don’t want to get too confident, because this can easily come back at me. So yeah, from a Wallabies and an Australian point of view, I’m really pleased with the development and the depth that we’re getting.

“So the competition for spots, which is only gonna make the Wallabies stronger, and then hopefully that campaign for the World Cup in Australia that much sweeter. So there’s some good signs ahead. As I said, I don’t want to get ahead of myself.”