‘Keeping it simple’ working for Wallaby

Rejuvenated flyhalf Noah Lolesio is “keeping it real simple” in his return season with the Wallabies after being snubbed last year.

Brumbies star Lolesio has been new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s preferred option in the No.10 jersey this year ahead of Queensland’s Tom Lynagh and Western Force’s Ben Donaldson.

The 24-year-old playmaker admitted it had been “quite an adjustment” after being ignored by former national coach Eddie Jones in 2023.

However, he said it had been “awesome” and hoped for another starting opportunity on Sunday morning (AEST) when the Wallabies meet Argentina in a Rugby Championship clash in La Plata.

“Playing flyhalf for the Wallabies is up there pressure-wise (with anything),” Lolesio said,

“I’m just keeping it real simple for myself, putting things into perspective that it is just a game of footy.

“Joe has been great too. He just keeps harping on to keep backing himself in whatever I do on the field. He’s been really supportive individually and to the team as well.”

However, while support has been good for Lolesio’s confidence and belief, he knows he still needs to improve as the Wallabies seek to bounce back from successive losses to South Africa.

“Myself, the team and also the squad, we need to be better going forward,” he said.

“Hopefully these next few weeks we can show that improvement.”

Lolesio is particularly intent on mastering the short-kicking game that is Schmidt’s preference.

“For myself it’s a bit of an adjustment. It’s probably something I’m developing really hard, and not myself, but all the backs in trying to manipulate the defence with ball on foot,” he said.

“Instead of going contestable, or working our way into the territory (with long kicks), it’s more attacking kicks like the low, flat cross-field kicks that myself and all the other boys have been working really hard on.

“We tried to do that few times in the second Test (against South Africa). Some we got good pay, and then some we didn’t execute right.”

Apart from Schmidt, Lolesio was also grateful for the support and mentoring that Brumbies coach, former Wallabies flyhalf Stephen Larkham, has provided him.

“`Bernie’ (Larkham) has been real supportive ever since he’s been back at the Brumbies,” said Lolesio, who added that a key to regaining his Wallabies jersey had also been knowing when to switch on and off.

“What I’ve gotten right this year is getting away from footy as well, just refresh and fill the tank because I know previously in the last few years, I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself as young No.10s do, especially internationally.

“I’ve gone on with that approach, that is rugby is what I do, it’s not who I am.”

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