Mogg: Brumbies before Wallabies
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Brumbies fullback Jesse Mogg still harbours hopes of pulling on a Wallaby jersey for the World Cup but feels his return to action may be too late.
The Brumbies' win over the Highlanders was Mogg's first sniff of Super Rugby this season for the Canberra outfit after overcoming two shoulder injuries and an ear infection.
25-year-old Mogg felt that his time on the injured list was frustrating, however he quickly gained his confidence back once out on the park, and feels he has set himself up for the remainder of the season.
"Once I got out there and got my hands on the ball early, I felt really confident," he said on Monday.
"I think I set a really good platform for myself."
Mogg took a knock to his shoulder during the Highlanders game, regardless though, he is ready for the much-anticipated top of the conference clash between the Brumbies and the Waratahs in Canberra.
The three-capped-Wallaby feels the added pressure of playing in front of national coach Michael Cheika won't influence his performance, although he still has ambitions to play for Australia.
"I think I’ve probably left my run a little bit too late," said Mogg.
"But that’s not where my mind is at the moment.
"My mind is just trying to string some solid performances together for the Brumbies and I think Friday was a good start.
Looking forward to the game against the Waratahs, Mogg recognises that he will have to raise his game.
"Against a side like the 'Tahs, I’m going to have to lift my game and try do a couple of things better.
"I guess for myself, after how last year went, [there] was a lot of pressure to get back to where I was at the start of 2013.
"I enjoyed myself against the Highlanders and that’s where my mind will be this Friday, just getting out there, getting involved and just playing some football [rugby]."
Mogg expects a physical battle between the Australian giants, and the rivalry to become tense on the pitch as they both seek poll position in the Australian conference.
"I think the physicality of the game is going to bring out the rivalry," he said.
"I guess where the 'Tahs finished last year and where we want to get to also brings us closer together.
"The rivalry is definitely growing, but to a new level? I’m not too sure."
Source: AAP
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