Carlo Tizzano desperate to take on the Springboks in front of family and friends in Perth

Having had a taste of Test rugby, a rookie Wallaby wants another chance when Australia meets the world champions in his home city.

Wallabies flanker Carlo Tizzano wants another shot at the Springboks. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

A “bittersweet” Test debut has Wallabies flanker Carlo Tizzano desperate for a shot at redemption in his home city of Perth on Saturday night against South Africa.

Tizzano loved being thrown to the wolves in making his maiden Test appearance against the might of the reigning world champions.

However, the 33-7 weekend Rugby Championship spanking the Wallabies received from the Springboks at a packed Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane didn’t sit well with the 24-year-old Western Force star.

“I really love that I got just thrown straight in the deep end against the best in the world,” Tizzano said.

“That’s an awesome way to test all the hard work you’ve been putting in over all the years since you’re a kid and to see where you put yourself.

“Obviously, it was bittersweet. I was absolutely gutted because winning is everything, so to lose in front of that massive home crowd was a tough one, especially on all the players.

“In the sheds, we were pretty upset about that, as you would be.

“For this week, to be able to put forward a good performance we can really be proud of at Optus Stadium, especially for me, and in front of the Perth local fans, that’d be something I’ll remember forever, especially being a part of this group as well.”

Carlo Tizzano (left) takes on the Springboks defence in Brisbane. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Tizzano paid tribute to his teammates for ensuring he felt he belonged in the Test arena.

“It is a big step up, but I loved every minute of it,” he said.

“The boys really helped me throughout the week. It didn’t feel like I was out of place as well, which was good, and that’s credit to the lads and the coaching staff as well for making the week so seamless.”

Tizzano was confident the Wallabies could deliver an improved display this weekend against the Springboks.

“You could really feel the power in their scrum and in their mauls (in Brisbane) … but at the same time, I feel like we also did, in moments, a good job at containing that,” he said.

“For us, it’s being more consistent going into this week because they’re best in the world, and that was good a benchmark for us to compare ourselves to the best.

“We’re going to attack this week. We’re really excited for it, and we’re up for the challenge.
“It’s not often you get to (play) the same team two weeks in a row as well, so we can make the adjustments and go from there.”

Veteran Wallabies prop James Slipper was impressed with Tizzano’s Test debut.

“I thought he was great,” Slipper said.

“Carlo’s one of those players who plays with a lot of confidence. He had a great year at the Force this year, and he fitted in really seamlessly in the squad.

“One thing you know about Carlo is he’s going to put his body on the line for the team, so that’s all we ask – when you put the jersey on you do your best, and he did that.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds for him.”