The Wallabies received some inspiration from an unexpected place in their recent national camp, Waratahs prop Tom Robertson says.
Robertson revealed that Olympic swimming coach and water safety advocate Laurie Lawrence was a guest at last week’s national camp that focused on strategy more than physical preparation.
Lawrence, who played rugby for Australia in 1964, has forged out a hugely successful career as a national swimming coach before turning his focus to raising awareness around water safety.
“It wasn't really a physical demanding camp but we had a lot of meetings, going through our attack and D structure and had a few guest speakers to get us ready for the World Cup and it was actually quite nice,” Robertson said.
“We had a guy called Laurie Lawrence - he's an old swimming coach - he came in and gave us a bit of a talking to, commented on my ear a fair bit so it was good to see Lawrie.
“He's one of the great coaches - been to six Olympic games and I don't think you go to six Olympic games without being some sort of coach. He had some inspirational words and it was pretty good camp to be honest.”
Robertson said Lawrence’s message of sacrificing for success hit home with him.
“He just said you've got to be willing to pay the price and there's obviously going to be a fair bit, almost a mini second preseason before the World Cup,” he said.
“Don't know where or when or what's going to happen with that but I'm sure there is and he was just saying you've got to be willing to pay the price and do the hard yards in order to have the success at the later end of the year.
“He was definitely an inspirational speaker and I'm sure if you've seen any of his ads on TV, he's quite inspirational Laurie, so it was good.”
Robertson has done nothing to harm his World Cup hopes with a strong return to Super Rugby after a six-month layoff with a knee injury.
Friday night’s clash with the Rebels will be another litmus test for the prop against some front rowers who will be vying for the same Wallabies spots.
Robertson said an Australian derby, particularly against the Rebels, also had an edge with World Cup spots up for grabs in 2019.
“There's definitely always a bit of, I wouldn't say there's any anger, you like them all off the field but it's definitely you've got to stake your claim for the World Cup,” he said.
“That's probably the secondary thing.
“We're still in the running to make the finals, so it's more about making the team go well and making the team win and then hopefully those personal battles you come out on top as well.”
The 22-year-old will play his 50th Super Rugby game on Friday night and said he almost felt like he was making his debut all over again after a long time out of the game.
"I got the call the other day that said it was my 50th game so it's a bit of a weird feeling. It still feels like, obviously coming back from injury at the end of last year. it still feels like I was debuting when I came back this year,” he said.
"So it's a great feeling. I'm hoping the team gets the job done.
“That's the main thing.
"It was definitely interesting coming back, especially after having that six months off with my knee and then coming back out at altitude, that was interesting.
"But I think the team's done a pretty good job getting me back to where I was so, I wouldn't say seamless, but I would say as good as I could expect.
"I'm just hoping to keep building and get better and better because I know it's not like I'm going to come back and play my best footy.
“But I've just got to keep getting better and better as the year goes on.”
The Waratahs take on the Rebels on Friday May 31 at AAMI Park, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
