At the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Jordan Petaia became the youngest debutant in World Cup history for the Wallabies. Four years later, Petaia is looking to avoid a similar fate.
The 23-year-old is one of few to have played at the hallmark event, rising rapidly through the ranks to make his debut against Uruguay.
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However, when asked about his memories of the event in Japan, one moment stands out.
“Probably how we went out in the quarters (to England),” he remarked. “Just remembering that sour taste. That finals series was the biggest learning point from the last World Cup
“Losing like that in the finals especially when that’s probably the only time in my career that you really had those pool and knockout stages, it’s pretty tough, considering you have to wait another four years and a lot of guys don't get those opportunities."
Petaia returns to the World Cup a much more polished player, having added close to 30 Test caps to his resume.
Along with this, the outside back has flexed his versatility, currently featuring at outside centre after spending the start of the year fighting for the fullback jersey.
"I feel like I've gained a lot of experience over the four years since that last World Cup," he believes.
"Obviously, I've covered a few different positions over the last few years. I feel a lot more comfortable coming into this World Cup."
This time around, Petaia and the Wallabies can draw on the experience of Eddie Jones, rather than the then-England boss plotting the downfall of his home country.
“Eddie's probably been to the most World Cups out of anyone and he speaks about enjoying the experience and making the most out of the Cup and obviously we're here to win it," he said.
“Not shying away from that challenge and just enjoying it, making lifelong memories as we go.
“We've spoken about it as a group, every match is do or die so you can’t afford to drop many games.”
There's a nice parallel to be made with fellow young gun Max Jorgensen, who would break Petaia's record if he was to take the field.
The 19-year-old is back to full fitness after a lengthy knee injury, with Petaia offering some advice to the Waratah.
"I roomed with Jorgo in Darwin (on a training camp). I'm pretty familiar with his circumstance coming off the back of an injury. So giving him a little bit of guidance, but obviously he's been smashing it so he didn't need too much help," he added.
"Max is an unreal player. He is elusive, he's a quick learner, gets along well with the boys.
"If he does (make his Australia debut at the Rugby World Cup 2023) I’d say 'Take it full throttle, don’t hold back. Enjoy it'."
