If there is one thing that can be said about Western Force prop Tom Robertson, it is that he is passionate about playing for the Wallabies.
After infamously claiming “I’d give up my left testicle” to play for the Wallabies again following the Western Force’s match against the British & Irish Lions, the 34-capped prop didn’t have to wait long; being called up to face the Lions later in July.
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Now, after becoming a valuable option for Joe Schmidt’s front row stocks - being able to play on both sides of the scrum - Robertson is set to do battle with the Pumas in Townsville.
It’s a journey the man himself can’t quite believe, particularly after a severe knee injury saw him take a 12 month sabbatical away from the game.
“I guess 18 months ago I was in a very different circumstance to where I am now,” Robertson said to reporters in Townsville on Thursday.
“I got away from rugby completely for almost 12 months, having the knee injury as well forced me to do that. But I think it was the best thing for me mentally and really allowed me to freshen up.
“Coming back, I really wasn't sure if I'd make it back professionally. All the competition at the Western Force that we've got over there in the front row. And then obviously the Wallabies here, there's no slouches in the front row as well.
“To be starting a Test match at home in your backyard is very special. It was something that I definitely don't take for granted.”
With the fire back in his belly, Robertson is still as hungry as ever, keen to take learnings from the Lions and South Africa and apply it to two Argentinean Tests.
“I always say to Joe [Schmidt], I'd play on the wing if he put me in the team,” the prop joked.
“Loosehead's more my natural home, that's where I play the majority of my footy. Big credit to [forwards coach] Mike Cron, he's the scrum [doctor] for a reason.
“He's got so many drills and so many good little pointers when you're switching sides that it really makes it a lot easier for guys like me that play on both sides.
“The results he's had throughout his career with different scrums throughout the world has been incredible. A lot of credit goes to him for that.”
The Wallabies are expecting a strong challenge from the Pumas, with the Argentineans coming off a historic maiden victory over the All Blacks on home soil.
“[They are] one of the best in the world,” Robertson said of the South Americans.
“Their front row, [Julian] Montoya, [Mayco] Vivas and [Joel] Sclavi, which as a front row is quite formidable. They're all playing over in Europe and they're some of the best in the world with their game.
“I know from a set-piece perspective, we're going to have to be on at scrum - their back row as well: Pablo Matera, [Marcos] Kremer, [Juan Martin] Gonzalez… their backs are something to behold as well.
“They're a good, well-connected team. So, we're going to have to be on our best game.
“[South Africa] was a confidence building tour, but it doesn't really mean anything if we don't finish the job off.
“The Rugby Championship is so tight this year. You've seen the All Blacks go down to Argentina in Argentina as well. We know that we're going to have to be at our best this weekend to build on that momentum and make it count.”
With the Wallabies set to play in Townsville for the first time since 2021, it is an experience to play at a regional venue is something the country-born Robertson is excited to be a part of.
“It's fantastic. Some of my earliest memories were when the Wallabies used to come out to Dubbo,” Robertson added.
“That was one of the reasons why I got involved in rugby in the first place, so to be able to have a Test match out here is awesome.
“Hopefully some of the kids that come out on the weekend, they start playing rugby and then from there they can become Wallabies one day.
“I know coming from a regional area, you don't get that exposure every weekend to the Wallabies.
“To have a Test match out here is unreal and hopefully all the kids out there in North Queensland are watching it, and we can get a few Wallabies one day.”
