Matt Toomua keen to impress in Super Rugby finals with Wallabies No.10 spot up for grabs

MATT Toomua is determined to prove he can step up in big games during the Super Rugby finals as the race for the Wallabies' No.10 hots up.

MATT Toomua is determined to prove he can step up in big games during the Super Rugby finals as the race for the Wallabies' No.10 jersey enters the final bend.

While all eyes will be Quade Cooper’s battle against Dan Carter in Saturday afternoon’s qualifying final between the Reds and Crusaders, Toomua will take giant strides towards the national side should he engineer Super Rugby victory for the Brumbies.

"It’s a big game, and you look to big-game players," Toomua said of the Brumbies’ first finals match in nine years, against the Cheetahs in Canberra on Sunday afternoon.

"You want to perform in the big games, and from a personal satisfaction point of view I want to prove to myself and others that I can perform on a big stage.

"Whether that leads to further honours, I don’t know.

"Any player who would say they haven’t had a think about the Wallabies would be lying.

"But in saying that, we’re still playing at the moment and I’ve been a part of the Brumbies for six years, so for me it’s exciting to be playing in the finals.

"I’ve got that desire to do something for the club, and in the end it’s the best thing you can do for yourself for further claims too."

Matt Toomua

Australia’s most capped five-eighth and Brumbies backline coach Stephen Larkham said Toomua should have started for the Wallabies in the Lions series.

The 23-year-old was not considered by previous coach Robbie Deans but under new boss Ewen McKenzie all things are possible.

WHITE, RATHBONE BACK FOR BRUMBIES

McKenzie is expected to favour Cooper for the opening Bledisloe Cup clash on August 17 but Toomua’s controlled kicking and passing game is certain to be seen on the international stage in the near future.

After Sunday, Toomua will also have one edge over Wallabies incumbent fly half James O’Connor, who has yet to experience Super Rugby finals football.

As for the pressure he will encounter in his playoff debut, Toomua said: "You can’t hide from the fact it is a finals game and it’s only perception that forces pressure.

"At the end of the day it is the same game of rugby that we’ve been playing, it’s only your perceptions that changes things.

"If you learn to control your emotions and concentrate on the specifics of the game and let it flow, you can do what you best."

Brumbies coach Jake White has recalled veteran winger Clyde Rathbone to the starting side for the clash, putting Wallabies winger Joe Tomane on the bench.

Regular halfback Nic White also returns from injury, re-igniting his successful combination with Toomua.