Robinson reaps just rewards

Greg Growden | September 7, 2009

BENN ROBINSON didn't see the moment when the Suncorp Stadium scoreboard showed a larger-than-life photograph of him to reveal he had been named man of the match.

And when the Wallabies loose-head prop was told after the Test that he had won the award he was a bit sceptical. Front-rowers usually are - because they hardly ever receive any praise.

Yet in Robinson's case, it was richly deserved after his exceptional scrummaging - a key factor in the Wallabies' victory - and his involvement in a key turning point in the Test in the 32nd minute.

Whenever the Wallabies pack feels gloomy, they will undoubtedly show a replay of a first-half scrum when Robinson succeeded in popping the Springbok captain and tight-head prop John Smit, bringing about a scrum penalty to Australia.

It was a mighty moment, confirming the fact that for three Tests running, Robinson had absolutely smashed Smit at the set piece. As a morale-booster just before half-time, there was nothing better for the Wallabies.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans knew that. When asked how crucial that scrum penalty was, he replied: ''It has been great to see the growth of the Australian scrum. It's been coming. We haven't always had the benefit of it. Now it's evident and we're being rewarded for what is an area of strength for us now. We've worked really hard at this because we've had a history - not this year or last year, but one which has come forward at times.

''I think now there is an awareness that our scrum needs to be considered in the moment, rather than revolving around preconceived ideas.''

Then came accolades for Robinson.

''He is a rock for the group,'' Deans said. ''Benn is a rock in many ways. He is surprising with his athleticism. He defends very well and he carries very well.''

For the man at the centre of all the praise, when referee Wayne Barnes raised his arm to give Australia that penalty, Robinson said it made all the hard work and moments of ridicule worthwhile.

''That was a really good moment,'' he said.

''We have been building for a long time and to get that penalty really meant something. For all us front-rowers, it gives us a lot of confidence going forward. Still, I was quite surprised to win the man of the match because front-rowers don't get too many accolades.

''And we know that we must be going pretty well when the media stops talking about us. Hopefully the media will start talking about our climb to where we want to go.''