Toomua not fazed by jersey number
By Sam Ryan
Despite starring in a 20-minute cameo off the bench in the Wallabies thrilling victory over the Springboks in Brisbane, Matt Toomua still isn’t sure if he’s done enough to earn a starting position for this weekend’s clash against Argentina.
“I’ve got about as much information as you do. Cheik will name the team tomorrow as far as I’m aware so we’ll know a bit more than,” the 25 year old said after training in Mendoza this morning.
“Obviously I’ve been training at both 12 and 10 throughout the last few weeks. If I get a shot to start then that’s great, but it’s about what is best for the team.”
Whilst Matt Giteau has been ruled out of Saturday’s match, Michael Cheika still has Toomua, Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley, Kurtley Beale and Christian Lealiifano to choose from, to fill the No.10 and No.12 jerseys, with a bench spot also expected to be saved for one of the playmakers.
“In all honestly, either one of them (No.10 or No.12) would be great.
“There is a lot of competition in the inside backs so for me to get a starting position would be incredible but I honestly don’t mind what position it is at,” Toomua said.
The Brumbies flyhalf made a significant impact when he entered the match midway through the second half against South Africa, straightening the Wallabies attack almost immediately.
“I felt I contributed in certain areas but to be fair I think the whole bench really offered something you saw a lot of great cameos there, with Dave Pocock and James Horwill particularly and Scott Sio in the scrum getting us a number of penalties, so I think the bench really did a good job.
“I was happy with a few things, but like every week, you want to improve and take it to the next level.”
Toomua admitted the Wallabies hadn’t spent much time focussing on Argentina yet, but said last year’s 21-17 loss to the Pumas in Mendoza was still fresh in the players minds.
“I’ve played them quite a few times over the past few years and I haven’t been apart of a game that hasn’t been very tough, particularly last year when we got done, so we want to make amends for that.”