I'm your man: Toomua

[mudskipper]

Peter Fitzgerald, Canberra Times | April 22, 2009 - 10:36AM

If confidence is any guide, rookie ACT Brumbies flyhalf Matt Toomua will have no problem replacing Christian Lealiifano at pivot in Wellington on Saturday, should coach Andy Friend opt for him.

Toomua and Gene Fairbanks are vying for the vacant Brumbies' No.10 jersey for the round 11 Super 14 match against the Hurricanes on Anzac Day.

Friend remained unsure yesterday who he would name at flyhalf to cover for Lealiifano, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The crucial selection will largely depend on the fitness of winger Alfi Mafi.

Should Mafi fail to recover from a groin injury that kept him out of last weekend's 32-31 win over the Pretoria Bulls, Toomua would likely be named at flyhalf with Fairbanks at inside centre, Tyrone Smith at outside centre and Stirling Mortlock on a wing.

But if Mafi is cleared to play, he would join Francis Fainifo on the wings, meaning Mortlock could move to 13, Smith to 12 and Fairbanks to 10.

Toomua accepted his possible selection was dependant on another player's fitness but backed himself to succeed if he got the call-up from his coach.

"If I'm picked, I'm ready, I know I am, I'll be confident out there," he said.

"I've had a few runs at 10 during the games [this season] and obviously at training we're filling in all the time so it will be a simple transition for me.

"You want to be starting, you want to be playing 10, so I'm not going to hide that.

"I want to be picked but if I'm not, Friendy is doing what is best for the team and I back him."

Fairbanks, too, is ready to wear the No.10 jersey for the first time this season should Friend ask him to.

The 26-year-old is a specialist inside centre but spent time playing at flyhalf earlier in his career.

He admitted he preferred the role of inside centre but wouldn't hesitate to move in to pivot if required.

"I'd be happy to do it and I'd be confident with Matty at 10 as well," Fairbanks said.

"I haven't played there for a few years ... and to organise the forwards as well as work on your own game is tough.

"We need to have control this weekend. The teams that have beaten the Hurricanes this year have played with great control and I pride myself on controlling things."

Friend hoped to have a strong gauge today on the availability of Mafi, fullback Mark Gerrard and Ben Hand for Saturday's clash. Should Hand, who completed most of the Brumbies training session yesterday, fail a fitness test Scott Fardy, who plays for Warringah in the Sydney club competition, is on standby if required.

The Brumbies have a training-free day today and Friend will name his team Thursday.


http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...079706682.html

---------- Post added at 09:20 ---------- Previous post was at 08:13 ----------

Interesting match up this weekend between two young talented flyhalfs Brumbies matt Toomua and Hurricanes Willie Ripia

Matt Toomua (pron: too-moo-ah) is the second CA Brumbies player to be contracted directly from school, following in the footsteps of Julian Salvi who was originally signed for the 2004 season. The 17 year old is a gifted goal-kicking flyhalf who heads to Canberra as a potential long-term playmaking prospect for the two-time Super Rugby Champions. Toomua is a product of Queensland's Brisbane State High School, an institution that produced former CA Brumbies and Wallabies winger Mark Bartholomeusz, as well as Wallaby greats Paul Carozza, Peter Slattery and David Wislon and current Reds players Charlie Fetoai, Brett Gillespie, Brando Vaalu and Peter Hynes. In July Toomua won his second Australian Schools Championship, guiding Queensland I to a come-from-behind 23-17 win over NSW I in Canberra. His performance during the tournament earned him the pivot's role for the Australian Schoolboys where he helped guide the side to wins over the England Under 18's (11-3), Samoan Schools (50-9) and a 23-17 win over New Zealand Schools in Sydney, the side's first win over their trans-Tasman rivals since 1997.

Born in Melbourne, Toomua moved to Brisbane where he played his junior football with Logan City before attending Brisbane State High School. In 2006 he guided the Queensland II side to their maiden Australian National Schools Championship title, scoring all of his side's points in their 14-13 final win over NSW II in Sydney. Competing against the likes of older flyhalves Kurtley Beale (NSW) and Queensland's Quade Cooper, Toomua was selected in the Australia A side that defeated the Tongan Under 18's, 22-18. Two months later, he captained Queensland Red to the finals of the National Under 16 Championship in Sydney.

[Tazzmania]

Peter Fitzgerald, Canberra Times | April 22, 2009 - 10:36AM

"Born in Melbourne, Toomua moved to Brisbane where he played his junior football with Logan City before attending Brisbane State High School. In 2006 he guided the Queensland II side to their maiden Australian National Schools Championship title, scoring all of his side's points in their 14-13 final win over NSW II in Sydney. Competing against the likes of older flyhalves Kurtley Beale (NSW) and Queensland's Quade Cooper, Toomua was selected in the Australia A side that defeated the Tongan Under 18's, 22-18. Two months later, he captained Queensland Red to the finals of the National Under 16 Championship in Sydney.

And we get all the blame for "stealing" Queensland players!

[jargan83]

only because Victoria don't have a side yet

[mudskipper]

Toomua banking on the X-factor
Thursday 31st January 2008




New Brumbies recruit Matt Toomua says the element of surprise might be one of his team's greatest assets when the Super 14 begins next month.

"Obviously it's unfortunate to lose guys with the experience of [George] Gregan, [Stephen] Larkham and [Jeremy] Paul, but at the same time it makes the Brumbies very unpredictable for the opposition," Toomua told rugby365.com on Thursday.

Toomua, just 18, is one of five new signings in what is a relatively youthful Brumbies team - certainly a lot younger than it was last year anyway.

He said the departure of some of the Brumbies stalwarts presented an opportunity for the unknown players in the team to surprise the rugby fraternity.

"It presents plenty of opportunities for other players to step up, show what they can do and demonstrate their leadership potential," the fly-half added.

Australia is blessed with talented young fly-halves in all its Super 14 franchises and the competition is definitely stiff.

Toomua will compete with another rookie, Christian Lealiifano, for the No.10 jersey at the Brumbies this year.

However, he is adamant that the warm-up match against the Waratahs in Gosford on Friday won't necessarily be about trying to cement a place in the team.

"My goal is more to get the first game of senior footy under my belt. The result isn't as important to me as the process and gauging how I am physically, conditioning-wise and skill-wise in terms of catching and passing and basic things like that," added Toomua.

He also explained that he was not going to put himself under unnecessary pressure to perform, despite the opportunity to raise eyebrows against a very strong Waratahs team that features as many as nine Wallabies.

"I'm really looking forward to the game," added Toomua.

The former Australian schoolboy player - a product of Brisbane State High School - understands all too well that he could shoulder a considerable amount of responsibility in his first year of senior rugby.

"It might be a little bit daunting but it's very exciting at the same time. But at the moment it's not something I'm thinking about.

"At this stage I'm only worrying about developing my game as part of the Brumbies squad and playing well this weekend against the Waratahs," added Toomua.

The Brumbies' rising star, much like his Reds counterpart Quade Cooper, is a flexible player that is willing to play wherever he is required to, but admits that fly-half is where he wants to be.

"I definitely feel most comfortable at fly-half, but I have been moved to inside centre on a couple of occasions. But No.10 is my preferred position," he added.

Toomua says that while the move to Canberra came rather suddenly, he was certainly enjoying the "very professional environment."

http://www.planetrugby.com/Story/0,,...USS_01DBC.html


an old article but tells a little more about the kid... He has had a good season with the Brumby Runners.... and a few off the bench spots in 2009

[Burgs]

Another future Giteau casualty.

[mudskipper]

Brumbies finals hopes are in the hands of teen debutant Matt Toomua

April 23, 2009
The Brumbies are pinning their Super 14 finals ambitions on teenage flyhalf Matt Toomua who will make his starting debut in their crucial clash with the Hurricanes.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html

Toomua, 19, is expecting to face plenty of pressure from the fourth-placed Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

But he described his selection to replace injured playmaker Christian Lealiifano as a "dream come true".

Coach Andy Friend's hand was forced after back up five eighth option Gene Fairbanks suffered a groin injury at training on Tuesday but said the youngster had "proven he's ready".

Toomua comes into the key role at a crucial time as the seventh-placed Brumbies need to extend their three-match winning streak to keep alive in the race for the four semi-final spots.

They have not lost since deceased teammate Shawn Mackay suffered his critical injuries in South Africa.

Toomua, who was a flatmate of Mackay, said the Brumbies had shown they could overcome adversity.

"The team's character has been tested a lot this year with obviously close wins and with what happened with Shawn," Toomua said.

"This is just another step that we've got to overcome, another hurdle."

In his second year with the Brumbies, Toomua has played several matches coming off the bench this season.

"Ever since I signed with the Brumbies I've dreamt about this moment," he said.

"I've always wanted to wear that No.10, so in a way it is a dream come true."

The Hurricanes are sure to test Toomua by directing their ball runners - including giant All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu - at him.

"At 10 you are going to make a lot of tackles and I'm sure with it being my first game they are going to see that as an area to attack," he said.

"But once again I've just got to expect that and I've got to be up for it. I've got a lot of good guys around me that are going to help me out."

The youngster will join left winger Alfi Mafi, who has recovered from a groin injury, in the Brumbies backline while Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock reverts to the centres outside Tyrone Smith.

However, lock Mark Chisholm (wrist), fullback Mark Gerrard (hamstring) and winger Clyde Rathbone (quadriceps) were among players unavailable.

Coach Andy Friend said he would be looking for Toomua to leave a strong defensive mark on the opposition come this weekend.

"What we are keen to see is a real strong defensive effort from him and then as the key game controller just moving us around the park and keeping the ball in front of our forwards," Friend said.

The Brumbies front row sees Selesi Ma'afu earning his second start for the season following the suspension of prop Guy Shepherdson, while Ben Hand's hamstring strain has cleared up and he will take his place in the second row next to Peter Kimlin.

Ma'afu expected a tough set-piece battle against the Hurricanes, who he said played a more technical scrummaging game to their recent South African competition.

---------- Post added at 15:35 ---------- Previous post was at 15:24 ----------

Toomua earns first start for CA Brumbies
Thursday, 23 April 2009
A Mudskipper Propaganda Initiative

Matt Toomua

The CA Brumbies have made five changes to their squad to play the Hurricanes in their Investec Super 14 Week 11 match in Wellington on Saturday.

19-year-old flyhalf Matt Toomua will make his run-on debut after Christian Lealiifano tore his hamstring scoring a try in the CA Brumbies' 32-31 win over the Bulls last weekend. Toomua has currently played nine Investec Super 14 matches for the CA Brumbies since making his debut last year against the Hurricanes.

The other change to the CA Brumbies backline sees fleet-footed outside back Alfi Mafi return from a groin injury to start on the left wing.

Head Coach Andy Friend says Toomua is an exciting prospect for the CA Brumbies.

This is a great opportunity for Matt to show what he can do against one of the form sides in the competition, he said. This is his second year as part of the Brumbies squad and he's shown tremendous growth as a player and has proven he is ready for this extra responsibility.

He's a player with a strong kicking game and an excellent sense of game control and I know he's very keen to get out there and show what he can do on Saturday night.

Lealiifano joins number of teammates sidelined through injury with Mark Chisholm (wrist), Gene Fairbanks (groin), Mark Gerrard (hamstring), Clyde Rathbone (quadriceps) and Sitaleki Timani (knee) all unavailable for selection. Prop Guy Shepherdson will also remain in Canberra after being suspended for two weeks following his side's last round win over the Bulls.

Shepherdson's suspension opens the way for tighthead prop Salesi Ma'afu to earn his second start for the season while Ben Hand has recovered from suspected hamstring strain and will resume his place at lock alongside Peter Kimlin.

Prop Nic Henderson returns to the 22-man squad on the bench joining utility half James Stannard, who is set to make his debut for the CA Brumbies after making his Investec Super 14 debut for the Western Force in 2008. Australian Sevens representatives Henry Vanderglas and Afusipa Taumoepeau have also been retained on the CA Brumbies' reserves list.

Friend says the change in personnel will not change the goal for the weekend.

We're very confident in the depth we have within the squad and the guys selected are certainly capable of returning with the points this weekend, he said.

Injuries do test the mettle of a side. Over the past few weeks the side has shown a tremendous amount of character to deal with a number of adversities and each time has risen to the challenge.

This weekend presents a number of opportunities and gives several players the chance to establish themselves through the final stages of the regular season. Most of them have received game time in their positions, all of them have trained in those roles throughout the year and there's no doubt they're ready for their chance against the Hurricanes.

The CA Brumbies fly out for Wellington on Friday.


CA Brumbies v Hurricanes
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Kick-off: 7.35pm local time (5.35pm AEST)

1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Salesi Ma'afu
4. Ben Hand
5. Peter Kimlin
6. Mitchell Chapman
7. George Smith
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Joshua Holmes
10. Matt Toomua
11. Alfi Mafi
12. Tyrone Smith
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Francis Fainifo
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper

Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. Nic Henderson
25. Henry Vanderglas
19. Julian Salvi
20. Patrick Phibbs
21. James Stannard
22. Afusipa Taumoepeau

A big game for the Brumbies Islander players

[robyn <3]

Brumbies finals hopes are in the hands of teen debutant Matt Toomua

Jeesh, no pressure on the poor kid!

21. James Stannard

Mudskipper, has Chucky had much game time? The team I always seem to miss the games of are the Brumbies, has he played much, and if so has he been good?

[TOCC]

what ever happened to that little south african 5/8 that the brumbies signed?

[mudskipper]

Jeesh, no pressure on the poor kid!



Mudskipper, has Chucky had much game time? The team I always seem to miss the games of are the Brumbies, has he played much, and if so has he been good?

No not as yet but good this have been said about him at the Brumbies... I'd like to see him a have some time, he has done well with the Brumby Runners... I think Friend is eager to have Josh Holmes met full expectations in his second season and Phibbs is a very competitive scrum half, so its been tuff for Chucky...

You might have noticed because of injuries the Brumbies are taking 3 scrumhalves to Wellington, one could end up playing flyhalf...

---------- Post added at 17:28 ---------- Previous post was at 17:20 ----------

what ever happened to that little south african 5/8 that the brumbies signed?

Isma Dollie he signed with the Brumbies academy Tier 3 I think.... This means he gets training and development but no wage... has to pay his own living costs... Get a job outside but I'm sure the locals have employed him and are looking out for him...

[James]

what ever happened to that little south african 5/8 that the brumbies signed?

I think his name was something like Ishmael eel Dollie. I thought he stayed in South Africa. He was only ever going to join the Brumbies academy anyway.

[TommyM]

You might have noticed because of injuries the Brumbies are taking 3 scrumhalves to Wellington, one could end up playing flyhalf...[COLOR="Silver"]
[SI

Stannard was always actually a flyhalf I think. He could be the backup if Fairbanks isn't being considered