Sidelined Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock believes criticism of Matt Giteau is unwarranted and his former centre partner has been affected by a lack of line-breaking teammates.

Mortlock, who still hasn't given up hope of returning from back surgery to play in next year's World Cup, denied the under-pressure Giteau was a fading light in the Australian backline.

Unable to impose himself since moving back from five-eighth to inside centre this season, Giteau's starting position is reportedly under threat while former Test coach Eddie Jones has said he's lost his sparkle and looks unhappy.

Searching for his own answers since last Saturday's 22-15 win over Ireland, Giteau has declined interview requests.

But Mortlock and Brumbies coach Andy Friend felt the 81-Test dynamo was merely suffering a drop in confidence largely due to his surprise goalkicking woes, highlighted by a simple 70th-minute miss in the 21-20 loss to England.

On top of that, Mortlock - one of three 100kg-plus ball-runners in Australia's 2007 World Cup backline - stressed Giteau wasn't helped by a smaller, less authoritative backline.

He said Giteau was at his best when given front-foot ball provided by robust ball-runners who dented the defence.

The Wallabies sorely missed injured winger Digby Ioane against Ireland and were unable to get the ball to the powerful Adam Ashley-Cooper enough.

"When you lose someone like Digby Ioane and a couple of other guys who give you that gain line (advantage) it's going to affect the balance of the backline a little bit," Mortlock told AAP.

"I think the main thing is getting the balance right with the whole entire backline, for me that's the key.

"When that's happening, with a guy as good as Gits, there's going to be nothing to worry about as far as questioning his form."

Friend agreed the lack of size out wide was affecting the Wallabies attack, naming Mortlock and former fullback Chris Latham as examples of the sorts of tackle-breaking players required.

Both Mortlock and Friend were supremely confident Giteau would "show his true colours" in the Tri-Nations, starting against South Africa in Brisbane on July 24.

"I don't actually see it as a major issue," Friend said. "I see it that he's a world class player who's normally an above 80 per cent kicker whose had a few off days with the boot.

"Knowing Matt the way I know him. He's an incredible competitor and driven by his desire to be the best he can be.

"I know that in the not too distant future we will see Gits tearing an opposition apart again."

Friend has spoken to his Brumbies star and reported he was naturally questioning his methods.

"Like anybody when you're not performing to your high standards he's wanting to find out why and there's no one more critical of his performance than himself," he said.

"He's a honest player and a honest bloke and is searching for his answers as well."

Despite missing the clutch penalty attempt at ANZ Stadium, Friend said Giteau's 20-point display against England was one of his best in recent times.

"The other thing that needs to be recognised is ... it's the first time he's playing outside (five-eighth) Quade Cooper in the last three Test matches and they are finding their combinations."

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