Wednesday’s rugby news has Matt Toomua looking to start, Guildford reconsidering Waratahs deal, Dean Mumm wary of Eden Park and Changes set for the Wallabies.
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Toomua Looking to Start
After a strong performance off the bench last weekend, Matt Toomua is looking to start this weekend against the All Blacks at Eden Park.
“I never thought I’d be someone who comes on and tries to change a game,” said Toomua, who has come off the bench in two of Australia’s three Tests this year.
“I’m not used to coming on and bringing a bit of spark because usually I always consider myself the conservative-type player.
“Without having to stretch myself, I wouldn’t have learned that. It’s about continuous improvement. [In] my comfort zone it’s easy to sit back in the pocket and shift, which I probably did earlier in my career, but I’m trying to grow.”
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Guildford Reconsidering
Former All Black Zac Guildford is having second thoughts about his plans to join the Waratahs for the upcoming Super Rugby season.
Guildford was linked to the Waratahs last month but is now reconsidering his plans to stay closer to home.
“I’ve had a rethink and I’ve decided it might be better to stay closer to home and family and friends,” Guildford said.
“There could be a bit of interest from New Zealand Super teams too.”
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Mumm Wary of Eden Park
Dean Mumm, who was born in Auckland, is aware of the challenge of playing the All Blacks at Eden Park were no visiting team has won since 1994.
“We’re expecting a pretty full on Kiwi response I’d say at Eden Park in front of a crowd that is extremely patriotic in a place that they absolutely love playing.
“They are the best team in the world because they are very, very consistent and they are going home to their favourite ground to play.
“It’s a very big challenge for us, but one we’re very much looking forward to.”
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Changes for Wallabies
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has said there “might be a few changes” to the Wallabies team to take on the All Blacks in the Bledisloe decider.
The Wallabies team that trained on Tuesday included six players not in last Saturday’s side which were Greg Holmes (in for Sekope Kepu), lock Will Skelton (for James Horwill), No. 8 Wycliff Palu (for David Pocock), five-eighth Quade Cooper (for Bernard Foley), inside centre Matt Toomua (for Matt Giteau) and winger Henry Speight (for Drew Mitchell).
“We just mixed everyone up and had a run. I wanted everyone to get a bit of a run together,” he said.
“I have just been trying to keep an open mind at the start of the week and see how guys come out of the first day and train. [But] there might be a few changes.”
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