Wallabies great Stephen Larkham says understudy five-eighth Matt Toomua is hitting his stride just in time for the Super Rugby final against the Chiefs.
Toomua’s match-up against Aaron Cruden has all the makings of a classic No.10 battle.
Cruden is famous for his silky skills and strong running game, while Toomua is making a name for himself as a stocky playmaker that keeps his opponents on the lookout for his next big rib-rattler.
But there’s much more to Toomua than big hits in defence.
Brumbies assistant coach Larkham, who was Australia’s greatest five-eighth in the modern era, believes Toomua is also starting to consistently nail his decision making in attack.
Despite a couple of early pushed passes in the Bulls semi-final, Larkham said it was great to see Toomua set up the match-winning try for the Brumbies late in the game.
“To take that final moment, it was a really good moment for him,” he said.
“It’s something we’ve been working together with for over the last year in terms of his decision making.
“When to pass, when to carry, that kind of stuff and we find the balance is pretty much there now.”
This season has seen a remarkable recovery from Toomua after suffering a season-ending knee injury early in 2012.
He’s been rewarded for his consistency by being named in new Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie’s 40-man squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
And while Queensland’s Quade Cooper appears to be in the box seat to nab the Wallabies five-eighth role when they take on the All Blacks in the first Bledisloe Cup match on August 17, a win in Saturday’s final in Hamilton won’t hurt Toomua’s chances.
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.
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