Matt Toomua has played just 54 minutes across the Rugby Championship to date, however his impact has been unquestionable.
Against South Africa and New Zealand, Toomua added the spark needed from the bench to lift the Qantas Wallabies to victory.
“It’s something I’m not used to, I never thought I’d be someone who comes on and tries to change a game, I thought I was too conservative for that” Toomua said.
However over the past few weeks Toomua is starting to learn new things about himself.
"I probably don't give myself enough credit at certain times. I can try and challenge at the ball and all that, so it's something I'm growing [to] every week.
Head Coach Michael Cheika refers to his bench players as “finishers”, showing the value and impact they can have on the team.
“Teams that finish faster are usually teams that win the games. We have been fortunate enough to do that in the last three games where we have put points on teams in the last 20 minutes, which is something we haven’t seen in a while.” Toomua said.
Toomua didn’t shy away from his keenness to be named in the starting side on Saturday, but Cheika has instilled a strong understanding of playing your role in the team.
“If I can contribute to the team, whether it’s 10, 12 or off the bench, I’m glad I can come on and have an impact” he said.
While the team enjoyed their first win over the All Blacks since 2011, they know it’s not the end and the Toomua expects the All Blacks to bounce back at Eden Park.
“It was a bit of a high coming off that win but it’s such a quick turnaround you have to get back to business pretty much.”
“They don’t lose too often do they? They get to go home. They will probably try to get us up front. That's always a big part. You really have to front up. There will be that little extra edge because they don’t lose too often and they get to play in front of their home crowd. They will come out firing,” Toomua said.
