There was 60 minutes of nervous anticipation and then Tom Robertson got his moment.
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His moment to run out in front of a packed stadium wearing the green and gold of Australia and become Wallaby No.898.
The Dubbo product and former Kagaroos junior debuted for the Wallabies on Saturday night during the 36-20 Rugby Championship victory over Argentina.
The 22-year-old prop enjoyed a solid 20 minutes of action and helped his side control the match late on as Argentina attempted a fightback at Perth’s nib Stadium.
The debut capped off a stellar 12 months for Robertson.
The youngster only made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs earlier this season and played just 13 matches in sky blue before rising to the national side.
One of the most highly regarded young props in the game, Robertson has also enjoyed plenty of publicity due to the fact he is known to study scrums and the work of forwards for hours on end.
On top of that, he is also studying a medicine degree full time.
Robertson’s performance, and that of the whole Wallabies side, against Argentina pleased coach Michael Cheika ahead of a crucial match against South Africa.
“I’ve been really pleased with the lads,” Cheika said.
“Even under fire we’ve been very solid. There’s a good feeling in the camp.”
Robertson’s national debut also continued a massive year for the sport in Dubbo.
While the local first grade side fell short of premiership glory, both the Kangaroos second and third grade sides won during grand final day at Orange’s Endeavour Oval on Saturday.
That, combined with huge junior numbers and premierships in the under-15s and 17s, as well as the return of the Rhinos to the premier Blowes Clothing Cup shows the code is in a more than healthy state locally.
The victory on his national debut also goes well with Robertson try-scoring debut in Super Rugby.
In terms of the match against Argentina itself, much of the damage was done early on before the former Dubbo Kangaroo got on the field.
The Wallabies were electrifying out of the blocks, running riot on the Pumas with three tries in the opening 13 minutes before a try and some outstanding service from man-of-the-match Will Genia propelled Australia to their second win of the year.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
