Coleman comes from unlikely place

Fri, Jun 24, 2016, 7:53 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Adam Coleman has come from an unlikely place. Photo: Getty Images
Adam Coleman has come from an unlikely place. Photo: Getty Images

Adam Coleman has come from an unlikely place to be in contention for his Test debut.

The Tasmanian junior will be just the third from his state, and first since 1929, to reach the Wallabies team.

Coleman wasn’t originally in the 33-man squad named for the England series, but was kept on to train during the intervening weeks.

The towering second-rower has since forced his way into calculations in an ever changing lock department, impressing coach Michael Cheika with his intensity.

Two-metre Coleman comes into a supersized Wallabies side, that already includes Will Skelton in the starting side, along with giant winger Taqele Naiyaravoro on the bench.

Wallabies captain Stephen Moore said Coleman deserved his Test debut.

“He's had really good form in Super Rugby over in Perth at the Force and I'm really happy for him,” he said.

“He's come in and made the most of his opportunity within the squad. He's trained really well, so he deserves to be [playing] his first Test tomorrow. I'm proud of him.”

Adam Coleman has trained his way into a Wallabies jersey. Photo: ARU Media/Stu WalmsleyVice-captain Michael Hooper said Coleman would bring more than just a mammoth frame to the second row, teaming up with Rob Simmons.

“I've been really impressed with Adam, how he carries himself with the second row role,” he said.

“ Big guy, he uses that.

“He's a unique thing in Australian rugby so wanting him to use his size and his good rugby brain to get around the field and do some damage to the Poms.”

Coleman isn’t  the only Wallabies rookie to have made an impression in the squad, with Melbourne Rebels back Reece Hodge also hanging around longer than expected after an impressive start.

Sean McMahon’s renown training intensity saw him propelled up the pecking order last season and into a starting spot in place of injured David Pocock in the second Test.

Hooper said that competition was obvious among the squad.

“Having a fresh face in the squad's always great, they’re ringing in new ideas, new things to the group.

“I think it keeps everyone on their toes.

“Adam pushing within the squad has made the other second rowers train harder and guys who aren't here through injury or whatever know they have to come back and work well.

“You've got to have young, hungry guys within the squad. Seany, Reece Hodge and Adam have done a great job in that.”

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