Brumbies fullback Jesse Mogg would love to play for the Wallabies at this year’s Rugby World Cup, but reckons he may have left his run too late.
Friday’s win over the Highlanders was Mogg’s first Super Rugby match of the season after overcoming two shoulder injuries and an ear infection.
The 25-year-old admitted his time on the sidelines had been mentally “draining”.
“But once I got out there and got my hands on the ball early, I felt really confident,” he said on Monday.
“I think I set a really good platform for myself.”
Despite being a little sore after a knock to his shoulder, Mogg said he was ready for Friday’s much-hyped Australian conference showdown with the Waratahs at Canberra Stadium.
The added pressure of playing in front of national coach Michael Cheika doesn’t have him worried, however, even though he still harbours the ambition to play for the Wallabies.
“I think I’ve probably left my run a little bit too late,” said Mogg, whose three caps came in 2013.
“But that’s not where my mind is at the moment.
“My mind is just trying to string some solid performances together for the Brumbies and I think Friday was a good start.
“Against a side like the `Tahs, I’m going to have to lift my game and try do a couple of things better.
“I guess for myself, after how last year went, (there) was a lot of pressure to get back to where I was at the start of 2013.
“I enjoyed myself Friday and that’s where my mind will be this Friday, just getting out there, getting involved and just playing some football.”
Mogg expected the rivalry between the two very physical sides to heat up in the nation’s capital as they battle for top spot on the domestic ladder.
“I think the physicality of the game is going to bring out the rivalry,” he said.
“I guess where the `Tahs finished last year and where we want to get to also brings us closer together.
“The rivalry is definitely growing, but to a new level? I’m not too sure.”
Terry Kidd
Guest
He kicks ..... bugger can't think of much else ... His defence is atrocious, he does not attack well, he is ineffective at the breakdown, he does not take the high ball well, he goes missing in any contest ... Nope, not a Wallaby ever again and at best only a bench player at the Brumbies
George
Guest
He cannot tackle and he reverts to kicking too much and for the sake of repeating myself he can't tackle - he should never be in a Wallaby side. He is best suited to play in Japan as he is a lightweight.
Rugby.ftw
Guest
That boot of his, puts him ahead of Coleman for mine. Gives the brumbies something no other Australian side has. And the brumbies are at their best when they just lock other teams in there 22.
Rugby.ftw
Guest
Oh and speight as well. He played in the club competition for the brumbies before mogg and he was unstoppable
Rugby.ftw
Guest
He's played sevens for the brumbies in an international club competition and he was pretty average. Would pick JOC, Folau and hooper well before him
Glenn
Guest
What do you mean tackling aside...gees that is a disastrous and indictable statement about a fullback and unfortunately very correct in Beal's case.
Glenn
Guest
My head drops at your spelling. Beal's weakness is trying to recover from bad options and moving to downright outlandish options.
Glenn
Guest
In the fullback position definitely Mogg, no confusion. Currently better marker, kicker, and positional player. A player that runs and doesn't dance into tackles.
riddler
Guest
Like the guy.. Happy for him that he is back.. let's hope he has a good run into the finals.. As robc wisely said we need as many options on deck as possible. .
Squirrel
Roar Rookie
Mogg and Badger for my wallaby wings. He has a great boot which is needed with Folau and badge on there
RobC
Roar Guru
Good to see him back on the field. The more the merrier!
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
For me he's still the most natural 15 in Oz rugby. Good boot, great positioning, he us a pure fullback and IMO feels the position better than anyone else. Having said that his execution has let him down at times. Before his injury I remember him having one or two direct kick into touch per game, a missed tackle or two that would lead to a try. But is worse than Kb am not sure. Folau doesn't have half of the basics mogg has but he can create tries or break tackles like no other. Needs to have coach confidence and not feel he's here by default.Give him half the love Folau or Foley got from the start and he could deliver.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Id have Mogg and Badger as the wingers as JOC is now crud
Paul
Guest
Yes great vertical leap... Excellent volley baller so good ball control, has serious gas
Taylorman
Guest
True...but at least he has won them. Don't think we'll ever say that about Mogg. Versus the Lions I think it was he just bottled it. Everything we saw in his sxv several weeks earlier went awl. Happens with most of the oz squad, Palu etc...they all go awol for some reason.
AndyS
Guest
TBH, I thought he had a dire NRC last year and would need some serious convincing that he wasn't likely to fall into the same heap when it mattered. I've not really seen anything this year to show that, as opposed to a player that just has the odd good game.
Paul
Guest
Better off on the wing, that is until he's one on one with Cuthbert, North, Savea or any number of other big fast men that he'll need to stop. On the balance of probability he'll let in more tries than he scores, and give up more ground than he makes.
Stu. B.
Guest
I did enjoy watching Mogg against a very undermanned Highlanders,the run from here will be interesting with heaps more pressure and not as much time or space for decisions,I would like to see him get through this with distinction but a wallaby berth is hard to see,my advise if it is worthy ,one game at a time and see how the cards fall.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Brett McKay attests that in training Coleman kicks as far as Mogg. Well in games which are very different, i.e. under pressure and not knowing you are to kick, Mogg seems to kick a lot further and a lot more effectively. Mogg adds a lot at the back. He kicks and attacks well, AND is very good under the high ball. His defence is weak and has been mentally fragile in tests and that semi. Perhaps more opportunities in finals and tests he will overcome that stage fright of the big moments. IMO IF he did make the Wallabies XV is he better off on the wing than 15. He has genuine pace and that is needed more on the wing than at f/b. Folau can catch the ball and either run it or pass it to Mogg to kick back, best of both worlds.
Big Steve
Guest
His performance in the super rugby semi last year was horrid. The only contribution he seemed to make was destroying the morale of the team after errors. The worst part was it was in front of the new Wallaby coach. I didn't realise he was injured, I just assumed he was dropped from the squad. He isn't as good as Speight, Tomane or Coleman so he will be lucky to get a game at the brumbies at full strength as mentioned above.