Cape Town - Brumbies fullback Aidan Toua has flourished in his new leadership role as Stephen Larkham turns to his more experienced players to help lead his young squad in the 2017 Super Rugby competition.
Although starting the season having lost a vast amount of
experience with the departure of some seasoned campaigners, the Brumbies have
not lacked leadership out in the middle.
Toua, one of the more experienced names on the roster, has a
clear understanding of his role at the club and has stood up to the leadership
challenge which comes with being one of the more senior members in the team.
“We’ve got such a young squad so being a bit of an older
member it’s just something that has had to happen,” he told the Brumbies'
official website.
“Despite losing some experience in the close season we still
have a lot of players with extensive Super Rugby knowledge and that can only
help our cause as the season progresses.”
If selected, Toua will run out for the 30th time in Super
Rugby this weekend against the Waratahs, and will have an important role in
providing guidance to the young back-line.
The former Red is looking forward to helping new
captain Sam Carter lead around the fresh faces in the squad and has ensured
that the added responsibilities won’t affect his own game.
“My responsibilities will increase a bit but as far as my game goes nothing really changes,” added Toua.
“I’ll just have to pay a bit more attention to what’s going on out there. We have a young and talented backline and I am confident that the group will gel nicely and start to play some excellent rugby”
The 27-year-old isn’t the only player the Brumbies will be
expecting to take on a mentoring roll for the exciting young talent coming
through.
Former Force forward, Chris Alcock, arrived at the
club at the start of the year, bringing a lot of experience and maturity with
him to the Canberra-based outfit, and his no-nonsense style has impressed Toua.
“Cocky [Alcock] has been tremendous in the last couple of
games," said Toua.
"He has been a really great addition to the team.
“He brings real physicality to the breakdown and an energetic approach to every match. He has shown both at the set-piece and in the loose that he can have a major influence on the outcome of matches.”
The Brumbies will need all Alcock and Toua’s experience this weekend if they are to get one up on their rivals with the clash against the Waratahs always one that brings with it high expectations.