Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt believes Carlo Tizzano is the perfect addition to their powerful back row as he hands the Western Force workhorse a starting debut against the Springboks on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.
Tizzano is a fighter through and through, having toiled his way into the gold jersey behind a pair of world-class sevens.
Tickets for the 2024 Wallabies home Test season are available here.
He started his career fighting Fraser McReight at the 20s level before a move to NSW Waratahs pitted him against one of the best in the modern era in Michael Hooper.
The 24-year-old has never wavered from a challenge and this attitude impressed Schmidt after McReight’s finger injury left the coach weighing up his options for a replacement.
“We just felt that Carlo would suit the combination that we picked in the back row and in the second row and what best complement that really,” Schmidt told reporters.
“He’s such a good young man and we're really excited about watching him get underway in 48 hours time.
“His energy is relatively positive, more than abrasive but he fights for everything Carlo and that's what first caught our eye.
"He's quite a dynamic competitor around the breakdown and I think in the context of losing Fraser, we needed someone who could bring elements of Fraser's game but probably not all of them. That's why we were picking Fraser before but it's a great opportunity for Carlo.”
Tizzano finished the year as Super Rugby’s leading tackler (240), with a sizeable distance to Highlanders enforce Billy Harmon and Ryan Smith (208) as next best, operating at close to 90% success rate.
He’s also one of the most prolific breakdown pilferers in Australia with 10.
Hooker Josh Nasser came through the Junior Wallabies system with Tizzano and got a taste of his capabilities in March when the flanker inspired the Force to an upset win over the high-flying Reds in Perth.
He best described the mentality Tizzano will bring to Test footy against the world champions.
“A few screws loose there with old Carlo. He’s 100% at training and he’s 100% on the field so he’ll be a big asset for us,” Nasser said and smiled.
“He was a pest that day (in the Force’s win) and got the better of us so it’ll be good to have him on our side.
“...Carlo backs himself to the hills. He’ll be confident, excited and ready to rip in so I don’t think he’ll be too flustered with nerves.”
Tizzano is joined on the debutant front by Luke Reimer as the ultimate one-two breakdown punch.
Reimer has become famous as a ‘closer’ for the Brumbies, with Schmidt looking for a similar outing when called upon.
“We brought him into camp during the Georgia week when we had a few injury concerns and he trained really well and allowed him to springboard into continuing with the squad,’ Schmidt said.
“He’s such a good competitor over the ball with a good low tackle who doesn’t give up the fight easily.
“We’re hopeful that he’ll bring really good abrasive energy off the bench.”
