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'Australian rugby's most important back': Matt Toomua sends fans into frenzy after win over Waratahs
By Sam Smith
Fans have flocked to Twitter to express their awe of Rebels first-five Matt Toomua following his inspired display during his side's 33-14 win over the Waratahs at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Friday.
The 31-year-old playmaker was in fine touch for the hosts as they condemned the New South Welshmen to their fourth consecutive loss to open their Super Rugby AU campaign.
In a 51-minute spell, Toomua was responsible for 18 of his side's 23 points at the time of departure from the match, but it was his scintillating individual try just before half-time that caught many viewers' attention.
After splintering the visitors' defensive line at the halfway mark, Toomua burst into the opposition's half at pace before chipping and chasing and regathering inside the 22 despite the lacklustre covering effort of fullback Mark Nawaqanitawase.
The 54-test Wallabies pivot then beat Waratahs halfback Jack Grant to the tryline to cap off a remarkable solo try, and many fans took to social media to share their admiration of Toomua's brilliance.
One user said he has an "unquantifiable love of watching Toomua", while another labelled the No 10 as "Australian rugby's most important back".
Toomua's influence throughout the first half and in the early stages of the second half helped earn the Melbourne franchise their second win of the year following two last-gasp defeats to the Reds and Brumbies and a tight win over the Western Force in Perth.
As a result, the Rebels remain in third place on the Super Rugby AU standings at the halfway stage of the competition, while the Waratahs remain winless with a hefty points differential of -108.
The Rebels will celebrate their victory with a bye next weekend, while the Waratahs continue their search for victory against the Reds next Saturday.
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Latest Comments
I'm very aware that GB is not UK.
Also that the British Isles are not the same as the British Islands.
I still think your objection to calling this a tour to the UK is stupid and pedantic.
I repeat what I send earlier, the Boks are not playing anywhere except in the UK.
It's legitimate therefore to call this a tour to the UK.
But this is boring now, goodnight, goodbye. And good luck with your crusade (that really doesn't have any bearing on what the article is discussing.)
Go to commentsHappy for Asher Opoku-Fordjour but why oh why is he the only new face, Borthwick didn't have to change 50% of the team but surely another 2 or 3 squad guys could have been given the chance to show what they could do? What can we possibly learn from this game other than we can beat Japan with a strong team.... hold the front page....!!
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