Robinson taking charge of Waratahs scrum - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Robinson taking charge of Waratahs scrum

By Adrian Warren 16/01/2009 05:12:07 PM Comments (0)

Wallabies scrum linchpin Benn Robinson is aiming to increase his input around the park after helping Australia largely overcome its scrummaging problems.

After establishing himself as the cornerstone of the Wallabies pack in 2008, Robinson returned to Waratahs duty this week following an end of year break.

The 24-year-old forward flourished under new Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, starting in 12 out of their 14 Tests last year.

After being overlooked for the 2007 World Cup, Robinson regained a regular Test starting spot last year in an Australian pack which earned plaudits on the spring tour for a much improved performance in their recent problem area of scrummaging.

Keen to further develop his scrummaging under new Waratahs assistant coach and former Wallabies set piece guru Michael Foley, Robinson also wants to be more dynamic in open play.

"I know that there is a lot of free play with the new ELVs," he said.

"Hopefully I can improve my game around the park, getting a few touches of the ball."

Props were expected to struggle with the greater continuity encouraged by the ELVs and Robinson admitted it had been initially hard to adjust.

"Especially the first few games with the Wallabies for me, playing (the full) 80 minutes week in week out," Robinson said.

"You get use to it, your body adapts. It was a bit of a change, there's less lineouts and probably a few more scrums, so that does make an impact on your legs, especially getting around the park, but I enjoyed them (the ELVs) and I hope that they continue."

Robinson played a full game in nine out of his 12 Test appearances last year.

With fellow Wallaby props Matt Dunning and Sekope Kepu injured heading into the new Super 14 campaign, Robinson anticipated a bigger work load with the Waratahs this year.

"I will sit down with (new NSW head coach) Chris (Hickey) and try and work out what happens in regards to game time but I think my work load will increase again this year," Robinson said.

With the vastly experienced Dunning expected to be sidelined for the entire Super campaign, Robinson was quite prepared to accept more responsibility in the Waratah's front row ranks.

"I'll see how it goes, I'd like to, we've got to sit down with `Foles' and talk about that," Robinson said.

He said Foley was "a massive asset" for the Waratahs and was already becoming a dominant figure in their lineout strategy.

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