Joe Tomane no longer backing black, completing journey from Kiwi youngster to Wallaby winger

IF you’re the guy who called Joe Tomane “Red Foo” at the Super Rugby semi-final, then the 102kg Wallaby winger is looking for you.

Wallabies Camp in Dubbo

IF you’re the guy who called Joe Tomane “Red Foo” two weeks ago at the Super Rugby semi-final in Allianz Stadium, then the 102kg Wallaby winger is looking for you.

“There were 30,000 to 40,000 people there so I couldn’t find who called me that, but if I do, I’d like to shake his hand, that was awesome,” Tomane said.

“I’m thinking about dying my hair red now.”

As the Wallabies hit the sticks and stones of country NSW for their Bush2Bledisloe tour to meet thrilled fans on Monday, it was clear that people are starting to re-engage with rugby in a way they haven’t for a decade.

The players are delighting in the support, the swelling numbers, and even the banter like Tomane copped when his Brumbies played the Waratahs a fortnight ago.

Red Foo at the Australian Open tennis tournament in January.

After NSW’s dazzling premiership win against the Crusaders in front of a record Super Rugby crowd last Saturday, and with the Wallabies full of confidence riding a seven-match winning streak, the looming Bledisloe Cup Test on August 16 shapes to be one of the most highly anticipated and attended for some time.

And for the afro-sporting Tomane, who has his own story of hating the Wallabies before growing to love them, the momentum is empowering.

“If I play, this will be the first time I’m playing the All Blacks,” said Tomane, who is most likely to start in a back three also featuring Israel Folau and Adam Ashley-Cooper.

“So I don’t really know what it’s like to be on the wrong side of the scoreboard against them.

“But it is painful for Australia, we’re such a proud country and we want nothing but success.

“We can draw from all the pain that the community has felt over the last 11 or 12 years and we can use that as motivation to hopefully get one over them.”

Joe Tomane stretches out during Wallabies training at a Bledisloe Cup camp in Dubbo.

That would be a sweet feeling for Australian fans, but Tomane’s extended relatives might have mixed emotions if he helps the Wallabies beat the All Blacks.

“Being a Kiwi, I was born in New Zealand, and watching a lot of the All Blacks v Australia Test matches, when I was young I’m not going to lie, I was supporting the All Blacks,” Tomane admitted.

“When I was nine, 10 I supported them, but as I got older I started to appreciate and love Australia and I really wanted to beat them.

“I’ve got a fair few family over there [in New Zealand], most of my immediate family is in Brissie, but both my parents are from families of 12.

“The guys in New Zealand are big All Blacks supporters.

“They ask for tickets, and I just block them on Facebook and don’t talk to them. Buy your own tickets.

“I remember every single cousin that’s asked me for tickets and gear. I told them there’s a merchandise store down the road where you can buy all the stuff. I just send them the address to the store.

“Asking me for gear — the nerve, man.”

There was no doubting the support in Dubbo as the Wallabies held their first training session in preparation for the Bledisloe Test — minus the Waratahs who are still celebrating in Sydney.

School children posed with the Bledisloe Cup trophy, which was flown in last week on a Qantas business class seat and is being escorted around the towns by a full-time security guard.

The youngsters also took photos with players, got signatures and cheered on the team from the stands.

“I think it’s cool, we get to reach out to the wider communities,” Tomane said.

“I remember when I first checked in, there were people taking photos in front of the bus, there is a buzz, people out here are really supportive.

“It’s cool to get inspiration from these guys, knowing they’ll always support us.”

Tomane himself changed his allegiance as he entered his teens.

“I just loved Australia, that’s where it all started for me,” he said.

“Especially when I started hitting my teens and I realised how lucky we are to live in such a country, I loved Australia and everything about it.

Joe Tomane acknowledges he grew up supporting the All Blacks before switching allegiances.

“One thing I’ve realised growing up is just how fortunate I am to grow up in a great country like this and that just really brought my love not just for the Wallabies, but for every Australian sports team.”

Which is why, despite the bitter rivalry between the Brumbies and Waratahs, he was behind NSW in their final against the Crusaders.

“I was wearing the Waratahs jersey, I was hoping the Australian team would win,” Tomane said.

“It’s good for Australian rugby that an Australian team wins, especially with the Waratahs, it will create a big buzz in one of the biggest sporting markets in Australia.

“We will all reap the benefits of them winning.

“Hopefully we can continue on with what the Waratahs have done in Super Rugby get some success in the Wallaby gold.

“We will reap the benefits of them winning the competition, especially against a quality Crusaders outfit, they were one of the form teams all year.

“They’ve got All Blacks written all over that squad.

“It’s going to be good for us definitely, it will give us a lot of confidence leading up to the Bledisloe, but we are up against the best in the world.”

Nevertheless, the world champions, who are seeking a record 18th Test win in a row, could be in for a few surprises from the reinvigorated Wallabies, and none more so than from Tomane.

“I bring a bit of unpredictability I guess. I mean even I don’t know what I’m going to half the time,” he said.

“You can ask some of the boys, some of my choice of clothing is unpredictable as well.

“I’m just an unpredictable person.”

Originally published as Joe Tomane no longer backing black, completing journey from Kiwi youngster to Wallaby winger