Wallabies blindside flanker Jed Holloway understands the importance of a strong performance against Argentina as he looks to reclaim his spot in the side.
Holloway comes back into the starting side for Saturday's clash with the Pumas in Sydney after an injury to Tom Hooper.
Read the Official Wallabies v Argentina Test Program here!
The Waratah found himself a regular starter under Dave Rennie, however, Eddie Jones favoured the Brumby after his strong finish to the year.
Holloway admits tough talks with Jones and the coaching has him motivated to impress, with Rebel backrower Rob Leota set to put pressure on him via the bench.
“There’s disappointment whenever you don’t get selected for a game but I got some good honest feedback from the coaches and definitely what I needed," Holloway told reporters.
“I’ve worked really hard to get to the point where I could really push myself for selection so it’s nice to get rewarded but I’ve got to keep on pushing hard to retain that spot.
“We’ve got great young talent like Tom Hooper so we’re pushing each other every day plus guys like Rob Leota and all the guys in the Australia A program. That competitive is nice but we’re all fighting for that one spot so we’re pushing each other.”
Argentina will always hold a soft spot in Holloway's heart, having made his debut in Mendoza.
“It’s been a wild year,” Holloway remarked with a smile
“It feels like yesterday that debut in Mendoza and I was just talking to (debutant) Josh Kemney about my experience that day and how I couldn’t sit still. We had our own rooms and I was constantly interchanging between boys' rooms because I didn’t want to sit by myself.
“To now being able to give that advice…the growth has been great and definitely something that you really strive for as a player. Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely down points as a player but it’s taken a lot to get back on track and I’m really happy to be here.”
He will go up against Pumas hero Pablo Matera, well aware of what the superstar flanker can do on his day.
“It’s exciting mate, it’s really exciting. I actually played against Pablo in the Australian Under 20s," he added.
“It was funny, I was watching them play on the same field, I think it was against Ireland when the weather was exactly the same, and Pablo put on a clinic that day.
“He’s a competitor, he fires into everything, he’s super skilful. I’ve got to match him in the areas that I’m good at; set-piece-wise, ball carry and physicality. We’re different players but as you said, he’s world-class. I’m excited to put myself to that standard.”
