Australian team to play Cardiff Blues – Matt Toomua to start

Posted on Nov 23, 2009 in Rugby News

Australia Under-20 and Brumbies flyhalf Matt Toomua will make his senior debut for his country after being named today in the Qantas Wallabies side to tackle the Cardiff Blues tomorrow night.

The selection of Toomua, 19, is one of three personnel changes to the starting line-up from the Australian side which won its opening midweek match of the tour at Gloucester.

The others see Pekahou Cowan included to start at loosehead prop, in the place of Salesi Ma’afu, after coming off the bench as a hooker against Gloucester.

Ma’afu is relegated to the bench, after featuring on the tighthead side of the scrum at Gloucester, with Sekope Kepu switching from loosehead to tighthead to accommodate the inclusion of Cowan.

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Wallaby Benn can’t wait to face up to English pack

Posted on Oct 28, 2009 in Rugby News

It wasn’t so long ago that the Australian front row was seen as the Achilles heel of the side, but these days Robbie Deans has a powerful cast of front row options to pick from.

And heading the list is Waratahs loose head specialist Benn Robinson, who picked up a major pre-Grand Slam tour boost when he was chosen as Australia’s Choice – 2009 Wallaby of the Year at the John Eales Medal ceremony.

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