Brumbies flyhalf Matt Toomua knows he’s close to that maiden Wallabies berth he’s worked so hard towards.
He was the steady, unsung hero of the Brumbies 2013 campaign that fell agonisingly short of becoming Super Rugby champions on Saturday night.
Up by ten points with 17 minutes to go, the Chiefs staged a stunning comeback to become the competition’s fourth side to win back-to-back titles.
Barring a late knock on under a high ball and an early decision to take on the line when there was a promising overlap, the 23-year-old had another solid night at the office.
He was also up against one of rugby’s most dangerous five-eighths in Aaron Cruden, and his defensive efforts – including one particularly big hit on his opposite number – didn’t go unnoticed.
“He’s a very confrontational first five that likes to get up and put teams under pressure with his line speed,” Cruden said.
“We had ploys to try and exploit that, but they didn’t really come off.”
“He’s done his chances (of a Wallabies jumper) no harm this year, he’s had a great campaign.”
Toomua’s form is only more impressive when you factor in his season ending knee injury early in 2012.
But under the tutelage of Brumbies assistant coach and Wallabies great Stephen Larkham, he’s been able to rebuild his career back up to the heights promised when he was a schoolboy prodigy.
He’ll have until just Monday afternoon to recover from Saturday night’s crushing defeat, as he was one of 40 players picked for the Wallabies squad ahead of the Rugby Championship.
“Every Australian player has a goal of wearing that jersey,” Toomua said.
“In terms of specifics, I haven’t really looked at it too much, I know it’s just around the corner.”
His coach Jake White is certain he has a bright future.
“I have no doubt that Matt Toomua will play for Australia,” White said after the match.
“These sort of occasions and these sort of lessons will help him play at a higher level.”