Keen to use the element of surprise against New Zealand, the Daily Telegraph understands McKenzie has overlooked Queensland Reds playmaker Quade Cooper for a comeback, the scenario most predicted based on their provincial history.
Instead the new coach has plumped for Toomua, 23, whose impressive form this year helped the Brumbies to the Super Rugby final two weeks ago. Cooper is likely to be injected into the game from the bench and James O’Connor, who filled the five-eighth’s role against the Lions, is set to be moved back to the wing.
The opening Bledisloe Cup clash at ANZ Stadium will be Toomua’s first taste of Test football, after injury last season robbed him of a probable call-up and ex-coach Robbie Deans ignored his claims for the Wallabies’ squad against the Lions.
Toomua displayed his capacity to shine in big games, in any case, when he guided the Brumbies to an historic victory over the midweek Lions in Canberra. His defensive prowess, particularly, stood out in that game and charging, hard hits were a feature of his strong Super Rugby form as well.
McKenzie’s selection will likely see the young playmakers of the Super Rugby final – Toomua and Chiefs star Aaron Cruden – matched up again, and that defensive starch is no doubt an asset that appeals to the new Wallabies coach.
Cruden is the man tipped to wear the All Blacks No.10 after Dan Carter was ruled out with a calf injury on Tuesday. Toomua belted Cruden with a trademark shooter in the final, and his defensive pressure has the ability to not only rattle Cruden, but contain hard-running No.12 Ma’a Nonu as well.
It could also throw All Black planning to target Cooper out the window.
Toomua is no greenhorn at the professional level, having accrued 37 Super Rugby caps since debuting as an 18-year-old in 2008.
His Brumbies mentor Stephen Larkham said earlier this year Toomua should have worn the Wallaby No.10 against the Lions.
"Defensively he is outstanding, his attack is coming on and his kicking has certainly improved, and he is understanding the game way better," Larkham said.
"He has definitely got that ability to rise to the next level. Having a look at him two years ago to now, it’s chalk and cheese. He has got smarts, control, and understanding."
Toomua said last week he would love to play against the All Blacks: "They’re the best team in the world at the moment. You kind of what to pit yourself against that. It would be really cool playing against them."
McKenzie has gone to great lengths to keep his first team under wraps, restricting media access to training and giving little away in public discussions.
Centre Adam Ashley-Cooper, who is expected to retain his No.13 jersey, said players were still shifting around in training. The unknown factor of McKenzie’s first team is hoped to work in their favour against the All Blacks.
"Delaying the selection, which they probably will too, doesn't give them too much certainty and gives us that little element of unpredictability," Ashley-Cooper said.
"We haven't had much time together and we are going up against the number one team in the world first up so maybe that competition (for spots) will prove the turning point.
"I feel off the back of Super 15 campaigns this year, we have had some success there in terms of a lot of individuals growing as footballers. The squad we have here is really exciting. I am really liking the look of the new faces that have been included, and over the last couple of weeks at training there is a real buzz and a real excitement."
The Wallabies under McKenzie would look to use plenty of width in their game, said Ashley-Cooper.
"We have more working on creating a lot more opportunities. Depending on who we got with, you can just expect a more expansive game, but with us making good decisions," he said.
"With the distributors we've got in the team, Matt Toomua, Bernard Foley, Quade Cooper, James O'Connor, the likes of those guys can play with an expansive game. We have a lot of quality out wide and it would be rude not to use it."
