Carlo Tizzano tipped to shine in likely Wallabies debut against South Africa

Don’t expect the occasion to get the better of expected Wallabies debutant Carlo Tizzano against South Africa on Saturday.

Carlo Tizzano is poised to debut for the Wallabies. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images for ARU

Wallabies No.8 Harry Wilson has tipped likely debutant Carlo Tizzano to “whack everyone who comes near him” in Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Brisbane.

Tizzano, 24, will reportedly start at openside flanker at Suncorp Stadium in the injury-enforced absence of Queensland Reds star Fraser McReight, who is nursing a thumb injury.

It’s set to be a baptism of fire against the reigning world champions; however, Wilson, who is also expected to be selected in the back-row, had no doubt the Western Force’s Tizzano would be up to the challenge.

“Carlo, he’s just a competitor,” Wilson said.

“Everything about training he competes. He’s very physical and he really has his own way of playing footy which is just being a physical No.7.

“We’ve obviously tried a lot of different partnerships at training, and I’ve enjoyed being able to be in the back-row with him at some point of it.

“He’s out there trying to whack everyone who comes near him. He’s just always switched on and just trying to get the best of his ability.

“Everyone’s so pumped for this weekend. It’s who you want to be (playing), the defending world champions.”

Wallabies No.8 Harry Wilson is ready for the challenge South Africa will present Australia on Saturday. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images for ARU

Wilson, 24, is himself desperate to cement a spot in the Wallabies pack after playing his first Test in almost two years in Australia’s 40-29 win over Georgia in Sydney last month.

“It was a massive goal of mine to get back into the Wallabies set-up and ultimately representing the Wallabies,” he said.

“The feeling of playing against Georgia … it was awesome just to be able to represent Australia again and do what I love doing.

“That was a good start and now hopefully I keep working towards playing more Wallabies games.”

Wilson said a broken arm that prematurely ended his Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the Reds proved to be somewhat of a blessing in disguise in terms of his hopes of a Wallabies recall.

“You always have doubts, but I guess for me, I just tried to take the positive out of it, which was eight weeks to get the body right and, if the opportunity came, to be ready,” Wilson said

“You definitely don’t think you’re going to walk back in here, so I was pretty stoked when I could.

“There’s plenty of competition. It (No.8) is a position I don’t think you’d ever really feel comfortable. I know I don’t.

“I know I’ve got to go out there and perform week in, week out, every opportunity I get at training or matches to be able to get that jersey.
“There’s so many good footballers and good back-road battles.”

Wilson said there was a feeling of optimism and “opportunity” under new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.

“We’re going out there to back ourselves,” he said.

“New players, new coach and a new opportunity for everyone to showcase it at home at Suncorp Stadium. It’ll be a big one.”