Jesse Mogg full of confidence ahead of Super Rugby final after Test debut against Lions
EXPOSURE to Australia's elite and a Test debut against the Lions has Jesse Mogg well prepared for the pressure of the Super Rugby final on Saturday.
EXPOSURE to Australia's elite and a Test debut in the Lions cauldron has Jesse Mogg well prepared for the intense pressure of the Super Rugby final on Saturday.
That's the view of Brumbies backs coach Stephen Larkham, who said Mogg's composure and confidence had grown considerably after his recent elevation to the Wallabies ranks.
Mogg spent six weeks in camp with Australia during the British and Irish Lions series, and ultimately made his debut in the third and deciding Test in Sydney.
Called on to play wing after Israel Folau tore a hamstring, Mogg turned in an undaunted and polished 60-minute performance, including one sharp linebreak.
"It was massive for Jesse," Larkham said.
"He came back with lots of confidence, and learned a fair bit. Not only from the game itself but just from the players he was around. He was around Kurtley (Beale) and Israel Folau and other wingers in the squad. He learned a lot from that and he has certainly come back to us a better player."
With Beale out injured for The Rugby Championship, Mogg appears set to assume the Wallabies' No.15 for the opening Bledisloe Cup clash later this month.
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First things first, however, for Mogg, who will play a crucial role for the Brumbies in the backfield at Waikato Stadium. His reception of the Chiefs' kicking game and Mogg's decision-making when weighing up return options will prove central to the Brumbies' hopes of winning.
"They're all good kickers, and they find space really well. So there's a lot of work for our back three," Larkham said.
A star role for Mogg in a title win would be fitting, given few players are more emblematic of the Brumbies' rags-to-riches journey.
Just two years ago the former Brisbane Broncos Toyota Cup player was still battling away in Canberra club rugby. Jake White's entry saw Mogg win a contract and he hasn't looked back.
"I have enjoyed every minute of the last 24 months, especially this year being involved with the Wallabies and the success that's come for us at the Brumbies," Mogg said.