As he boarded his flight to London yesterday morning, Toomua still couldn't believe he was on the verge of realising his childhood dream.

The ACT Brumbies teenager was still coming to grips with his surprise call-up while his new Wallabies teammates lost to New Zealand in Japan.

And he said his selection would not fully sink in until the rest of Wallabies squad arrived in England.

''I'm shocked more than anything, I got on the plane and was wondering why I was on there,'' Toomua told The Sunday Canberra Times. ''When I first got the call everyone was just laughing at my face because I just couldn't believe I was even on standby.

''I'm not sure when it's going to sink in, hopefully soon enough so I can do what I'm supposed to but obviously I'm pretty excited.''

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans called Toomua into the touring party after vice-captain Berrick Barnes injured his ankle and was sent back to Australia.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times