Rugby: Competition hot for Wallabies five-eighths

Matt Toomua expects the competition between the three five-eights in the Wallaby squad to bring the best out of each other. Photo/Getty.

Matt Toomua expects the competition between the three five-eighths in the Wallaby squad to bring the best out of each other.

The uncapped duo of Brumby Toomua and Waratah Bernard Foley are likely to be vying for a bench spot behind the more experienced Quade Cooper for there first Bledisloe Cup match on Saturday week.

None of the three were involved in the recent British and Irish Lions series during which James O'Connor occupied the five-eighth spot.

"It's a weird kind of dynamic in the sense that us three weren't involved in the previous series so I think we've all probably come here with a bit of a spring in our step,'' Toomua said.

"I think you know there's people there vying for spots - it ultimately motivates you.''

New Wallabies' coach Ewen McKenzie has talked about establishing a pecking order for different positions.

"In terms of the pecking order, I guess it's out of our hands, and that's why I don't really get too concerned with it,'' Toomua said.

"You're lying if you say you haven't thought about it. I think every person has looked past and seen who they are up against and it's only natural.''

Toomua attributed his career best form this year to playing regularly.

"I hadn't been able to string 10, 15 games together in a row in my career, so this was probably the first time I've been able to do that,'' he said.

"Having week-to-week games just allows you to work on things consistently and the fact that I've been able to do that allows for improvement.''

Toomua also cites the influence on his game from Brumbies head coach Jake White and their attack coach, legendary Wallabies five-eighth Stephen Larkham.

"Steve has been massive. We work through a game every week,'' Toomua said.

"He obviously was a different player than I am, but you couldn't really ask for someone better to be mentoring you. It's great.

"Jake actually has a lot of hands-on stuff as well.''

Toomua said he wasn't disappointed about being overlooked for the British and Irish Lions series.

"If I'm being 110 per cent honest, I never really thought I'd make it,'' he said.

"I realised that they'd probably use the group that they've used in the last few years and I didn't have any runs on the board, to be fair, to say I warranted selection.''

-AAP