Wallabies number eight Harry Wilson is looking to make the most of his latest call-up after being named to start against Georgia on Saturday in Sydney.
Wilson has been 'in and out' of the Wallabies squad since his debut in 2020 amid a hotly contested Australian back row.
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He burst onto the scene in the Rugby Championship that season but found himself restricted to six Tests in the past three years, with Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt admitting consistency is a major factor for the Reds star.
“For a big man, he’s a good athlete. So we want to see the athleticism. He’s got good skill set. I think probably just the consistency of that skill set,” said Schmidt.
He’s got to demonstrate that every time...and staying in the game because of the way some teams play, he plays on the edge quite a bit and I think sometimes he can drift a little bit and then he’s not in the game.
"With a guy like Harry, he’s got to stay in the game, even if he’s not immediately around the ball, he’s got to stay connected to what’s happening so that he’s ready when the ball does become available and if he is, he’s a weapon.”
Now, Wilson gets the chance to show his growth and make his spot permanent after completing his recovery from a broken arm.
“That’s been my Test career so far, in and out quite a lot,” said Wilson.
“I’ve just got so much hunger to be in the squad and try and remain in the team. I guess that’s all going to end well if I can go out and perform for the team and do my job.
“There definitely are times when you’re questioning yourself. But I know I’m still young and there’s a lot of footy in me in the future. You always have that confidence in yourself where you know you can get back to this arena.”
Wilson's absence from the Test squad can also arguably be tied in some capacity to the rise of Rob Valetini at international level
Both number eights have battled it out at Super Rugby but Valetini has made the number eight jersey his own in the past, claiming the John Eales Medal in 2023.
Understanding their similar game styles, Wilson has spent time with Reds assistant Zane Hilton refining his set-piece craft to allow Schmidt to accommodate the bruising duo.
“I always love to play with Bobby, I love him as a footballer and what he’s about so I can’t wait to put the jersey on beside him," Wilson added.
“It does change my role from what I’m used to, a bit more focus on the set piece side of the game which I’m pretty excited about because I feel as if that’s the next development I want to work on in my game.
“It’s a great opportunity to show that against the Georgians."
