As Joe Schmidt gears up to announce his 23-man squad for the upcoming brawl against the Springboks at Ellis Park, ex-Wallaby wizard Matt To’omua has a bit of unconventional wisdom for him: maybe take a page out of Rassie Erasmus' strategic book. To’omua suggests Schmidt might want to consider benching some of his aces this weekend.
Despite hitting Johannesburg as the underdogs, To’omua reckons the Wallabies, fresh off a tough series against the British & Irish Lions, should play the long game. "Australia’s tendency is to pick the best team every game, [but] if you’re getting an inkling that the Saffas are going to change it up, do you almost rest a couple of guys who have niggles and then go hard at the second Test?" To’omua mused on The Roar Rugby podcast.
"It seems against our psyche of the underdog, but maybe it’s in our interest."
Erasmus, known for his shrewd tactics, previously played Australia with a B-team, conserving his main squad for battles against tougher teams like the All Blacks. Similarly, France's Fabien Galthié has not shied away from rotating his players to maximize team potential.
To’omua also highlighted the physical toll of playing at high altitude, compounded by the demands of travel and a relentless schedule. "You’ve had the Lions, then the hardest travelling tour in the game. Something has to give," he cautioned. "You just wonder if you expend too much energy and then wonder why we’re not firing shots back home."
While Schmidt is likely to retain most of the squad that clinched a victory over the Lions in Sydney, some changes are expected. James O’Connor is tipped to step in for the injured Tom Lynagh, and Rob Valetini might sit out until the Cape Town match to hit peak fitness.
To’omua warned, "Players will always put their hand up. But sometimes you’ve got to protect them from themselves." With the next match looming, it remains to be seen if Schmidt will heed To’omua’s advice or stick to his guns against the formidable Springboks.
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As Joe Schmidt gears up to announce his 23-man squad for the upcoming brawl against the Springboks at Ellis Park, ex-Wallaby wizard Matt To’omua has a bit of unconventional wisdom for him: maybe take a page out of Rassie Erasmus' strategic book. To’omua suggests Schmidt might want to consider benching some of his aces this weekend.
Despite hitting Johannesburg as the underdogs, To’omua reckons the Wallabies, fresh off a tough series against the British & Irish Lions, should play the long game. "Australia’s tendency is to pick the best team every game, [but] if you’re getting an inkling that the Saffas are going to change it up, do you almost rest a couple of guys who have niggles and then go hard at the second Test?" To’omua mused on The Roar Rugby podcast.
"It seems against our psyche of the underdog, but maybe it’s in our interest."
Erasmus, known for his shrewd tactics, previously played Australia with a B-team, conserving his main squad for battles against tougher teams like the All Blacks. Similarly, France's Fabien Galthié has not shied away from rotating his players to maximize team potential.
To’omua also highlighted the physical toll of playing at high altitude, compounded by the demands of travel and a relentless schedule. "You’ve had the Lions, then the hardest travelling tour in the game. Something has to give," he cautioned. "You just wonder if you expend too much energy and then wonder why we’re not firing shots back home."
While Schmidt is likely to retain most of the squad that clinched a victory over the Lions in Sydney, some changes are expected. James O’Connor is tipped to step in for the injured Tom Lynagh, and Rob Valetini might sit out until the Cape Town match to hit peak fitness.
To’omua warned, "Players will always put their hand up. But sometimes you’ve got to protect them from themselves." With the next match looming, it remains to be seen if Schmidt will heed To’omua’s advice or stick to his guns against the formidable Springboks.