Wallabies playmaker Matt Toomua speaks to reporters about his own hopes for the immediate future and his thoughts on RA opting for a Kiwi coach in Dave Rennie.
I hope he plays 10 for the Rebels, is the one of the form 10s in the comp., develops his field kicking, kicks at 85% and starts. at 10 for the Wallabies. Toomua is a test quality inside back with a wealth of experience in a relatively young body. Always puts his body on the line. He's the most likely. I'd like to see his play a whole season at 10. He could develop into a Michael Lynaugh type of player. Then pick and stick at the Wallabies. Injuries aside play the same team for four tests in a row.
Defence improved hugely by the end of the super season, as did his decision making and confidence.
Yeah I think he’s too slow for back three. Hands are too poor for 10. Has to be a centre, and has to work on his passing under pressure.
I agree with that. I don't a 19 year old thrown into the washing machine and retiring from test footy at 28. I'd he be brought along slow. Some people are physical freaks but 99% of guys can't handle top level contact sports at 19.
Simone looks like he has talent but in the few games I saw him play his defence seemed suspect.
I think Hodge is one of those rare beasts who can find the try line. I think it is a gift that goes beyond training. Love him out but don't want him on the wing. Maybe at 15 but I'd really like a fast back three.
Simone has really quality hands at 12. If his improvement rate continues he may compete with Hodge there by 2023.
Petaia should learn to ply his trade on the wing at international level (like Mortlock, Umaga). By 2023 Petaia will very likely have won the 13 jersey.
Toomua and JOC at 10 /12 may work. A dual 12's policy. They shouldn't both make it to the next world cup but be nice to win a few games before then.
Hodge is an option as a long term 12 too. If we gave him three or four years playing 12 he could really get his teeth into it. That could allow us to have two proper wingers!
Petaia looks a special talent but I think it is too early to throw TK out with the bath water.
Nah - he's an old head now ( 30 ) and can contribute a lot by steering a younger team through his experience - we need a young flyhalf to get to the next rwc and we should start now..
Having played with mediocre 10’s for four years, I will be interested to see if Rennie continues the trend by allowing this statement by Toomua to get legs.
Agreed Fionn but why cant Rennie bring back QC ( Gitaeu rule). ? He is more accomplished as a test 10 than Toomua.Lucas will be good,but not yet.( off the bench perhaps) He is the best of the Lucas clan by far imo.
Hope, based on the headline, he does settle in okay at 10.i was very sceptical he could work there pré WC but he looked good, and that’s our biggest need. I think he’ll be a major driver and leader of any success the Wallabies may have in the next few years.
"My ambitions are the same as everyone, to get in that starting team, but with the changing of the guard there's a bit of unknown there," Toomua said.
"Like others you have dreams of being in a starting jersey and for me it would be that 10 jersey."
I will have some competition there as well with Andrew Deegan, who did really well at the (Western) Force, so we've recruited well," Toomua said.
"There's some big holes with Will and Quade gone but I think with the young guys we've got coming through there's a recipe for success."
On Rennie:
"I played against teams that he coached early on - was on the losing side in the Australian under 20s World Cup final and then the Super Rugby final, so hopefully he can help us win one," Toomua said.
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
If To’omua is to play #10, bring back Pat McCabe at #12 and and Two Dads at #13.
Jockstar
Guest
Had his time , time to blood new talent. Always put in and a great servant. Played well for oz. bring in a new backline. New era with no amigos.
Jack
Guest
I hope he plays 10 for the Rebels, is the one of the form 10s in the comp., develops his field kicking, kicks at 85% and starts. at 10 for the Wallabies. Toomua is a test quality inside back with a wealth of experience in a relatively young body. Always puts his body on the line. He's the most likely. I'd like to see his play a whole season at 10. He could develop into a Michael Lynaugh type of player. Then pick and stick at the Wallabies. Injuries aside play the same team for four tests in a row.
MitchO
Guest
Cheers.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Defence improved hugely by the end of the super season, as did his decision making and confidence. Yeah I think he’s too slow for back three. Hands are too poor for 10. Has to be a centre, and has to work on his passing under pressure.
MitchO
Guest
I agree with that. I don't a 19 year old thrown into the washing machine and retiring from test footy at 28. I'd he be brought along slow. Some people are physical freaks but 99% of guys can't handle top level contact sports at 19. Simone looks like he has talent but in the few games I saw him play his defence seemed suspect. I think Hodge is one of those rare beasts who can find the try line. I think it is a gift that goes beyond training. Love him out but don't want him on the wing. Maybe at 15 but I'd really like a fast back three.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Simone has really quality hands at 12. If his improvement rate continues he may compete with Hodge there by 2023. Petaia should learn to ply his trade on the wing at international level (like Mortlock, Umaga). By 2023 Petaia will very likely have won the 13 jersey.
MitchO
Guest
Toomua and JOC at 10 /12 may work. A dual 12's policy. They shouldn't both make it to the next world cup but be nice to win a few games before then. Hodge is an option as a long term 12 too. If we gave him three or four years playing 12 he could really get his teeth into it. That could allow us to have two proper wingers! Petaia looks a special talent but I think it is too early to throw TK out with the bath water.
Springs Old Boy
Roar Rookie
Nah - he's an old head now ( 30 ) and can contribute a lot by steering a younger team through his experience - we need a young flyhalf to get to the next rwc and we should start now..
Bobwire
Guest
Having played with mediocre 10’s for four years, I will be interested to see if Rennie continues the trend by allowing this statement by Toomua to get legs.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Yeah, that might be tge best call. No reason Rennie couldn’t at this stage.
Dougie
Roar Rookie
Agreed Fionn but why cant Rennie bring back QC ( Gitaeu rule). ? He is more accomplished as a test 10 than Toomua.Lucas will be good,but not yet.( off the bench perhaps) He is the best of the Lucas clan by far imo.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Think it’ll be between him and Lucas. More complete player than our last long term 10 I think.
Dougie
Roar Rookie
Toomua 10 ? It`s a no from me.
pm
Roar Rookie
Hope, based on the headline, he does settle in okay at 10.i was very sceptical he could work there pré WC but he looked good, and that’s our biggest need. I think he’ll be a major driver and leader of any success the Wallabies may have in the next few years.
pm
Roar Rookie
Thanks very much Sandbox
SandBox
Roar Guru
"My ambitions are the same as everyone, to get in that starting team, but with the changing of the guard there's a bit of unknown there," Toomua said. "Like others you have dreams of being in a starting jersey and for me it would be that 10 jersey." I will have some competition there as well with Andrew Deegan, who did really well at the (Western) Force, so we've recruited well," Toomua said. "There's some big holes with Will and Quade gone but I think with the young guys we've got coming through there's a recipe for success." On Rennie: "I played against teams that he coached early on - was on the losing side in the Australian under 20s World Cup final and then the Super Rugby final, so hopefully he can help us win one," Toomua said.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Been putting his hand up but doing nothing.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Could someone please summarise for those of us who can’t watch?