The 92-Test veteran also believes the Wallabies' potential is "scary" with Michael Cheika at the helm and insists they can change the European perception that they're weaker than New Zealand and South Africa.

Former ACT Brumby Giteau was in Cardiff as part of the BBC commentary team to watch the Wallabies beat Wales 33-28. But instead of catching the bug to chase World Cup glory with Australia, Giteau says he has moved on from his time with the Wallabies and his focus is success with French giant Toulon.

Robbie Deans dumped Giteau from the Test set-up in 2011, refusing to table an ARU offer before Giteau signed with Toulon and cruelly leaving him out of the World Cup squad. Former Wallabies coach John Connolly has led calls for the ARU to allow Giteau to play at the World Cup, but the champion playmaker says a Wallabies comeback is "not realistic".

"I think I definitely needed [a change], I had no choice at the time. Not just rugby, but I feel I've grown as a person as well and rugby has its rightful place in my life," Giteau said. "When I was in Australia I got caught up thinking rugby was the be-all and end-all. Now I've had time to move away … I enjoy rugby much more. It's not as stressful for me.

"Rugby had too much importance for me when I was in Australia. I felt rugby was everything … when you see the boys warm up, you do miss it. But I'm at ease with that. When I signed to come to France I knew my Wallabies career was over. I think I'll always miss it, even if I'm 70 or 80. But it's not realistic for me to even think it's an option now."

The Wallabies will play France in Paris on Sunday morning and are chasing three straight wins since Cheika started as coach last month. Cheika has challenged the players to earn respect in Europe by proving they are not the weakest of the southern hemisphere's big three – Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

"I think a lot of people in Europe thought we were going down [against Wales], a lot of people were saying we were there for the taking and we're the weakest of the southern hemisphere teams," Cheika said. "It's up to us to prove on a week-to-week basis … to get more respect and be more prominent in the competition."

Giteau backed the Wallabies to change the perception and develop with Cheika in charge.

"The reputation is that they're weaker, but the record doesn't speak that way," Giteau said. "I don't agree with the perception … I think Australia generally can get back on track in Europe. If the Wallabies are just finding their feet [under Cheika], it's scary to think how much further they can develop."

Giteau is recovering from a groin injury and is expected to be back on the field for Toulon after the two-week international break. He has enjoyed remarkable success throughout his career after breaking into the Wallabies squad before he had even played a Super Rugby game. Success has followed him to Europe, helping Toulon to back-to-back European Cups and last season's Top 14 French title.

The 32-year-old turned down an offer to join Racing Metro reportedly worth $A1.5 million per season to pledge his commitment to Toulon for the rest of his career. An Australian rugby comeback never crossed his mind and he doesn't expect the ARU to change its eligibility rules to allow overseas-based players to represent the Wallabies.

Giteau has embraced the French lifestyle and says being able to spend more time with his family – wife Bianca and sons Levi and Kai – was crucial in his decision to stay.

"I'm getting much less than I was when I was in Australia, they talk that Australia can't compete with the finances, but that's not it," Giteau said. "It's about the lifestyle, I'm only away two days in France whereas in Super Rugby [and the Wallabies] you're away for half of the year."