Wilson’s MCG dream finally realised – with a twist
By Tom Decent
As far as cricket tragics go in the Wallabies squad, there are none greater than captain Harry Wilson.
It is fitting that the man who once belted a 35-ball century at school, grew up playing with three-Test opener Nathan McSweeney, and faced Marnus Labuschagne ahead of a Springboks Test last year, will lead Australia out at the MCG this weekend for the biggest rugby match of his life.
Until Wednesday, Wilson had never set foot on the iconic ground. His only memory was a family visit 15 years ago to the ground’s museum. But on Saturday, he’ll captain the Wallabies in front of more than 90,000 fans, desperate to keep the series alive in a must-win second Test against the British and Irish Lions.
“You grow up watching the Boxing Day Tests and AFL grand finals. They’re always sold out and packed. It doesn’t get much better than that,” Wilson said on Friday at the Wallabies captain’s run. “The feeling of running out here in front of 90,000 plus people is truly special. Hopefully, we go out there and put in a good performance.”
The last time the Wallabies played at the MCG, against the All Blacks in 2023, Wilson wasn’t in the squad. Allan Alaalatoa, who captained the side that day, has his own cricket link – named after Australian legend Allan Border.
On Friday, Wilson admitted he was still finding his bearings.
Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson address the media on Friday at Australia’s captain’s run. Credit: Getty Images
“Even just walking out of the change rooms, I had no idea where to go,” Wilson said. “Walking out on a massive oval like this, you do pinch yourself. It’s something we definitely will have to take in and enjoy the moment because you don’t always get to play in special venues like this.”
When the Wallabies run out, it’ll be seven months to the day since Sam Konstas lit up the MCG during the Boxing Day Test with a flurry of ramp shots against Indian pace bowling star Jasprit Bumrah.
The Wallabies want a fast start of their own after going down 17-5 at the break in last week’s opening Test in Brisbane.
“We want to go out there and impose ourselves physically. We want to back our skills and start fast,” Wilson said. “There’s no denying, we have to go out here and win.”
The Wallabies pose for a team photo at the MCG on Friday. Credit: Getty Images
Playing at the MCG presents an opportunity and a risk.
An against-the-odds win – the Wallabies are paying up to $5 with the bookies – would go down as one of the great nights in Australian rugby.
A heavy loss, in front of a packed crowd and national TV audience, could further damage a code desperate for credibility ahead of a home World Cup in 2027.
“I’d say there’s pressure on both teams,” Wilson said. “They want to wrap up the series, and we want to keep the series alive. There’s no doubting there’s a lot on the line for both teams, and that’s something that really excites you. Playing professional sport, there’s a lot of pressure on, and it’s what you love about it.”
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh watches on. Credit: Getty Images
The Lions lost the second Tests of the 2001 and 2013 series, both in Melbourne, and Australia will be hoping that record continues, but know the tourists will be even more accurate and determined.
“There were a lot of unknown [before the first Test], whereas this week we know what’s coming,” Wilson said. “We didn’t fire as many shots as we would have liked.
“We do feel like we’re improving each week this year. [Against] Fiji, we got away with that one, and then we didn’t start too well in that first Test. But during that second half, once we got a bit of possession, a bit of territory, and started playing our sort of footy, we take a lot of confidence from that.”
Earlier this week, Australian players attended a team dinner with former captains George Gregan and Nathan Sharpe. There was no formal address, but their presence was a reminder of the support behind the team.
For Wilson, who was on the outer just two years ago, the magnitude of the moment isn’t lost on him ahead of what is expected to be a bruising encounter. Like Konstas, the Wallabies will want to land the first killer blow.
“It’s crazy what can happen,” Wilson said. “I’m just grateful being here right now in this position. It’s obviously nice for me personally, but we’ve got a job to do.”