Wallabies v Springboks: Matt Toomua relishing return to starting XV as Bernard Foley heads to bench

RECALLED centre Matt Toomua keeps getting emails inviting him to Test-eve beers for washed-up ex-Wallabies when he wants the next 14 months to be the highlight of his career.

Matt Toomua has been given a vital role by Michael Cheika against the Springboks.

MATT Toomua keeps getting emails inviting him to Test-eve beers for washed-up ex-Wallabies when he wants the next 14 months to be the highlight of his career.

It seems that it wasn’t just the recalled centre who thought his Test career was over two years ago because he found himself added to the database of the Classic Wallabies which unites former players, some in their 80s, and their tall tales.

The upbeat Toomua joked he had to make a choice between conflicting invitations with his selection at inside centre for Saturday night’s physical Test against South Africa at Suncorp Stadium.

Matt Toomua has been given a vital role by Michael Cheika against the Springboks.

BIG SHOCK: Cheika makes sweeping changes

“I appreciate the invitation to Friday night beers with the Classic Wallabies but I’ve got to get myself off that list...I’m not retired,” Toomua said.

It does highlight how much was left in Toomua’s tank when he bid farewell, at just 26, with 33 caps behind him for a stint with Leicester in England in 2016-17.

Coach Michael Cheika is backing a new Kurtley Beale-Toomua axis for his backline and it’s not coincidence both will use skills that developed enormously playing in the English Premiership and European competitions.

Just as Beale’s awareness grew with Wasps, Toomua added polish while at Leicester Tigers.

Toomua will also taken on the goalkicking with Bernard Foley dropped to the bench.

“Hopefully, I’ve matured with two seasons up there in a different style, learning to problem-solve in different conditions against different teams and how to win a game,” Toomua said.

“I’m very excited. That dream of wearing the gold jersey again is kind off what I came back for.

“I was hoping I’d get a shot pretty soon (after two bench roles against the All Blacks) so I’m glad it’s this week and now I want to be part of a good team performance.”

“Combination” is the key word on this Cheika call in midfield. Toomua’s crunch in defence will always be there. His English experience has added to his communication skills on the field and may have sharpened the balance to his passing, running and kicking game.

He played at inside centre beside Beale, as a five-eighth, in 2014 under former Test coach Ewen McKenzie and feels at ease with the new partnership.

Matt Toomua had bench roles in the two recent losses to the All Blacks. Picture: Getty.

“Bernard (Foley) and Kurtley have done some amazing things and it’s my turn to have a crack,” Toomua said.

“The Wallabies have worked really hard over the past few years to nail a style of play so, for any new player, it’s less severe coming in.”

WALLABIES TEAM

1. Scott Sio (47 Tests)

2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (84 Tests)

3. Allan Alaalatoa (25 Tests)

4. Rory Arnold (15 Tests)

5. Adam Coleman (25 Tests)

6. Lukhan Tui (9 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (c) (84 Tests)

8. David Pocock (71 Tests)

9. Will Genia (92 Tests)

10. Kurtley Beale (76 Tests)

11. Marika Koroibete (13 Tests)

12. Matt Toomua (35 Tests)

13. Reece Hodge (29 Tests)

14. Dane Haylett-Petty (23 Tests)

15. Israel Folau (66 Tests)

Reserves

16. Folau Faingaa (1 Test)

17. Tom Robertson (23 Tests)

18. Taniela Tupou (4 Tests)

19. Izack Rodda (9 Tests)

20. Ned Hanigan (13 Tests)

21. Joe Powell (4 Tests)

22. Bernard Foley (60 Tests)

23. Jack Maddocks (2 Tests)

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Originally published as Wallabies v Springboks: Matt Toomua relishing return to starting XV as Bernard Foley heads to bench