Toomua ready for 'unorthodox' Lions
Brumbies flyhalf Matt Toomua has arrived in Johannesburg, keen to tackle the one South African team that "enjoys playing a bit of rugby".
The Brumbies, the Australian conference leaders, taking on the high-flying Lions in a crucial match at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Left out of the initial tour group, after suffering a syndesmosis strain more than a month ago, Toomua is now back to full fitness and expected to selected for the encounter with the Lions.
Toomua's inclusion sees Sean Doyle return to Canberra, where he will have injections to speed up the recovery of his injured ankle.
The 25-year-old back said he was looking forward to being back in action for the Brumbies.
"It's a big game in the context of our season," Toomua said.
"Another defeat would deal our play-off chances a huge blow," he said of last week's heartbreaking 24-25 loss to the Stormers at Newlands.
The Brumbies till top the Australian conference, with 33 points after 12 matches.
"The Rebels [29 points after 11 matches] and Waratahs [32 from 11] are right there so we need a win."
He admitted the Lions provide a different challenge to other South African teams.
"They are very tough at home," Toomua said.
"They are a very exciting team to watch – they love to play from their own end [of the field], with offloads.
"They are probably unorthodox for a South African team – they are far less reliant on the set pieces and actually enjoy playing a bit of rugby."
He said that while the Brumbies' defence has been pretty good this year, it will have to be extra strong this weekend.
While the Lions are known for their expansive approach to the game, Toomua feel they have the kind of kicking game that can trouble teams, should they need to switch to it.
"They have that side to them as well," he said of the Lions' kicking skills, adding: "They have two blokes who can probably kick for their country, in [Marnitz] Boshoff and [Elton] Jantjies ."
* Meanwhile Robbie Coleman has extended his contract with the Brumbies and will remain in Canberra until the end of the 2017.
The utility back made the announcement while the team was on tour in South Africa – ahead of this weekend's clash against the Lions.
A veteran of more than 60 games for the Brumbies over five seasons, Coleman is one of the franchise's most experienced backs. Lighting quick in space but equally as talented with the ball in his hands, Coleman can fill any position in the backline.
He said despite fielding significant interest from both Australian rivals and teams overseas, Canberra was always his preferred option.
"There were a few other things that we looked at but at the end of the day my first choice was to stay in Canberra with the Brumbies so I'm pleased we were able to make that happen," Coleman said.
"Working with Stephen Larkham has been huge for my career and I continue to learn plenty from him. He was a big part of me wanting to stay with the Brumbies as I know I can becomes a better player here.
"As a Canberra-based player, I played all my junior footy in Queanbeyan, I hope this shows there are good opportunities here for local players. By the time my new deal is up I'll have been contracted with the Brumbies for seven years and there are certainly other young guys coming through the ranks in Canberra who are capable of achieving the same thing."
