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Dean Mumm’s whirlwind rise will be capped tomorrow night with the extra challenges of butting heads with “The Caveman” and calling the Wallabies lineout at Suncorp Stadium.
But the New Zealand-born lock is licking his lips at the prospect of both as Australia prepare for a passionate onslaught from a French side playing the final Test of an extended season.
Mumm will directly oppose wild-haired cult figure Sebastien Chabal who has promised Les Bleus will be far more intense than during their 34-13 loss in Sydney last weekend.
“I can’t wait to be honest, it will be a lot of fun,” the 24-year-old rookie said today of the match-up.
“He’s got quite a personality in world rugby. He seems like a quiet bloke but he certainly goes (hard) on the field so it will be great fun.”
Chabal, nicknamed “The Caveman” in England, where he plays for Sale, will combine with French skipper Lionel Nallet in a battle-hardened second-row which boasts 76 Tests worth of experience.
Mumm fully expects the 30-year-old pair to target himself and lock partner James Horwill, who have just five Test caps between them.
“No doubt they will have a go but that’s their prerogative, it’s up to us to control our own game,” he said.
Wallabies stalwart Nathan Sharpe’s groin strain at training yesterday has propelled Mumm into his first Test start just 17 months after making his Super 14 debut for NSW.
But more surprising in his rapid rise is coach Robbie Deans’ decision to give him the lineout calling responsibilities ahead of Horwill, who is only 23 himself but is Queensland’s captain.
Mumm himself wasn’t shocked after being told he’d get the job in the first two Tests of the season against Ireland or France if he replaced Sharpe off the bench.
With Dan Vickerman the Waratahs’ lineout chief, Mumm’s only experience calling the set-piece outside club rugby was for Sydney Fleet in last year’s Australian Rugby Championship.
But Deans sees the same qualities in Mumm that Vickerman and Sharpe possess to ensure the Wallabies win their own ball.
“Dean wouldn’t have anticipated that he would be calling it from the first minute but he’s got the background and he’ll be fine,” the coach said.
Mumm’s rise exemplifies Australia’s immense depth in the lock position. At the start of the season he would have been rated No.6 in the country at best behind Vickerman, Sharpe, Horwill, Mark Chisholm and Hugh McMeniman.
“It has been a reasonable rise and one that I didn’t expect at the start of the year but very positive and happy that it has happened,” Mumm said.
With Chisholm suffering from a virus, McMeniman has been pulled out of the Australia A side to sit on the bench at Suncorp Stadium.
What the All Blacks would have given for Australia’s second-row depth and the chance of luring Mumm before this season.
He was born in Auckland and maintains a New Zealand passport after his family moved here when aged two.
Lock is the only position in which NZ struggle for quality back-up for Ali Williams and former Brisbane Bronco Brad Thorn.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.