Giteau praises Halfpenny's boot

 

The French giants were pushed all the way to extra time by Irish province Leinster a they failed to dominate the game in their usual manner.

 

In the end, it was the Welsh fullbacks accurate boot, that kicked six penalties and a conversion to go along with Bryan Habana's late try, that saw them into the final to face Clermont.

 

This will be Toulon's third final in three years, as they attempt an unprecedented hat-trick of titles.

 

Giteau knows a thing or two about winning in Europe and will be personally chasing a third successive European Cup winners' medal at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, May 2.

 

The experienced Wallaby back was full of praise for his kicker Halfpenny who provided most of the scoring in a wet and slippery game.

 

"It's great having a goal kicker like Leigh Halfpenny – you can never replace a player like Jonny Wilkinson, but it's good having Leigh," Giteau explained.

 

"It felt like we never really had control and we couldn't find any rhythm

 

"But we showed massive character in defence and that's what got us through.

 

"The ball was wet and neither side could play in their own half. 

 

"We got points, but then we gave points away."

 

Giteau is one of five players who will be searching for a third consecutive European Cup winners medal, along with team mates Sebastien Tillous-Borde, Mathieu Bastareaud, Carl Hayman, Jean-Charles Orioli and Steffon Armitage.

 

However, he playmaker admits they cannot go into the final against Clermont and play like they did against Leinster.

 

"We have to learn from this and we will really scrutinise the performance. We can't afford to put ourselves under pressure in the big games," Giteau continued.

 

"We made it difficult for ourselves.

 

"It wasn't one of our best games. In big games like these you have to find a way to win.