Mumm: Scots and Irish want us to win

Dean Mumm is making the same impact this autumn in the green and gold of Australia during their Grand Slam tilt as he did during his recent two and a half years with the Exeter Chiefs. Mumm, who is versatile and athletic enough to play blindside or lock, made enough of an impression for Chiefs coach Rob Baxter to make him club captain (2013-14), before he returned home to Sydney in a successful bid to make the Wallaby 2015 World Cup squad.
As a seasoned pro with 55 caps, Mumm has proved to be an important asset since Michael Cheika took over as Australia coach, bringing line-out expertise and a combative edge to the Wallaby pack after getting his second wind at international level.
It has seen the 32-year-old force his way into the Test starting line-up this season at blindside, and the edge was reflected in a one match ban for elbowing All Black lock Brodie Retallick – Mumm had reacted to being pulled back illegally by the Kiwi – which saw him ruled out of the autumn opener against Wales.
However, Mumm’s take on the benefits of playing New Zealand two or three times a season as the Wallabies do, is pragmatic. “We haven’t come on the right side of that ledger for a little while, but you want to be challenged by the best. It is a reminder of world champion standards, and playing New Zealand is the ultimate test, especially when you play them away.”
He says the attacking accuracy the Wallabies showed in the wins against Wales, Scotland and France over the last three weekends comes from hard work on the training field.
“We’ve changed our attacking structure, and it takes a while to refine. Now the fruits of that labour are starting to come through. Attack is dependent on go-forward, so if you’re going better up front it gives your backs that little more chance. For instance, in the early Tests this season we struggled against England and the All Blacks at the line-out, but that has improved and better quality line-out ball allows better strike moves.”
Ask him what makes Cheika an outstanding coach and he says: “Honesty is one reason. You always know where you stand with ‘Cheik’ – although it’s not always what you want to hear! He strives to improve us as people, not just improve us as rugby players.”
Mumm is excited by the prospect of Australia playing England in the series finale, and says that although he has only caught glimpses of their games against South Africa and Fiji, he has been impressed by the little he has seen. “I haven’t watched England in detail, but what it does show from afar is the there has been no drop off, or lack of ambition to play attacking rugby.”
Although he was never coached by Eddie Jones, Mumm says that the success England have had since the former Wallaby coach took over has been no shock. “He was a great selection as coach by England, and what he’s achieved has not been a surprise given the time that I spent at Exeter in the Premiership. I was aware of the depth of the talent coming through, with England winning two of three Junior World Championships, and playing with some of those U20 players at Exeter.”
Mumm saw Australia’s Grand Slam ambitions end in Dublin, but says: “Beating England would be a massive boost for Australian Rugby (Union).
“You have to fight for everything you get, given the influence of Aussie Rules and Rugby League back home, and anything that captures the hearts and minds of Australian fans is a great boost for our sport.”
He adds: “As we have gone through Scotland and Ireland people have been wishing us all the best (against England) because they recognise it is one of those great rivalries.”
NICK CAIN