In the 43rd second of the opening Test in 2024, Fraser McReight made a routine tackle like the inspirational flanker would at any other point. What he didn't realise at the time and for several Tests was a broken hand.
McReight is back in the Wallabies squad after undergoing surgery on the injury he picked up in July against Wales at Allianz Stadium.
Watch the Bledisloe Cup live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
The gutsy Reds flanker played through the remainder of the series and the one-off Georgia Test, not missing a minute outside of a yellow card in the Sydney Test
McReight eventually went off to get scans where the fracture was revealed and was straight back into training with the view of being fit for the Bledisloe Cup series, starting on Saturday at Accor Stadium.
"I thought it was hopefully ligament (damage) and then went for scans that showed it was broken, saw a specialist and then got the advice to get (the surgery) done," he told reporters.
"Obviously longevity and your health are important so pretty happy we got it done and sorted."
Carlo Tizzano stepped up in McReight's absence, with the Queenslander paying respect to his Western Force counterpart for how he handled his first taste of Test footy.
"He's been solid and I think he's stood up to Test footy,' McReight remarked.
"I'm happy for him and to see him go well."
McReight watched the Argentina games from Australia and believes there are positives to take despite the second Test collapse in the second half.
"We played three great halves of footy and had that one slip up so you can't really focus on that," he explained.
"I'm sure there's lessons to be learnt but everyone's come back and Argentina's a tough place so we've had a week off with family and friends and we're rejuvenated.
"There's that buzz of playing the All Blacks, one of the best teams in the world, so there's not going to be a worry about the team not getting up for it."
McReight was eager to test himself against the All Blacks backrow, who have their own motivations coming off back-to-back defeats.
"They're a great back row so I'm sure it's going to be a great challenge in the next two games," he added.
"They've got a fair few players there that have been around a while like Sam Cane who is closing in on 100 Tests as well as Ardie (Savea) and others. They've very dynamic and powerful."
