Joe Schmidt issues warning to Harry Wilson after recalling backrower to Wallabies
One of the most destructive ball-running backrowers in Australian rugby has won a Wallabies recall, but coach Joe Schmidt has made clear what he needs to do to keep his spot.
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Harry Wilson has been issued a clear-cut challenge by Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, who has told the backrower to “stay in the game” after picking him to start against Georgia.
On his day one of the most destructive ballrunners in Australian rugby, Wilson has not played a Test for the Wallabies in two years, due to injuries and form.
Now the 24-year-old has been given the chance to reignite his Wallabies career, but it has come with a stern notice from the boss.
“I think with Harry, he’s a good athlete,” Schmidt said.
“For a big man, he’s a good athlete.
“So we want to see the athleticism. He’s got good skill set. I think probably just the consistency of that skill set.
“He’s got to demonstrate that every time and staying in the game. Because of the way some teams play, he plays on the edge quite a bit and I think sometimes he can drift a little bit and then he’s not in the game.
“With a guy like Harry, I think he’s got to stay in the game.
“Even if he’s not immediately around the ball, he’s got to stay connected to what’s happening so that he’s ready when the ball does become available.
“And if he is, he’s a weapon.”
At 196cm and 115kg, Wilson can be a problem for the big South African and All Blacks packs during The Rugby Championship if he can produce top form against the Georgians.
However, he has had a mixed run in the Wallabies jersey.
“That’s been my Test career so far, in and out quite a lot,” Wilson said.
“I’ve just got so much hunger to be in the squad and try and remain in the team. And I guess that’s all going to end well if I can go out and perform for the team and do my job.
“There definitely are times when you’re questioning yourself. But I know I’m still young and there’s a lot of footy in me in the future. You always have that confidence in yourself where you know you can get back to this arena.”
Wilson suffered a broken arm playing for Queensland in May, but Schmidt is looking for backrow versatility, with first Test captain Liam Wright still struggling with a shoulder injury, and Langi Gleeson injured in last week’s win over Wales.
“Obviously, the timing of the [arm] injury wasn’t great there missing a few games of the Reds,” Wilson said. “But I had some motivation to try and get back in the Wallabies set-up.
“That helped me through the rehab, knowing that there is an end goal to try and get back in the gold jersey.
“I played for Brothers about two weeks ago and the arm feel really good, feels back to normal.”
Schmidt named his third captain in as many games, with Allan Alaalatoa to lead the side this Saturday afternoon, with Wright still injured and last week’s captain, James Slipper, rested to allow him to recover from a shoulder injury.
Slipper’s absence gives a bench spot to former All Black Alex Hodgman, while impressive two-Test rookie Isaac Kailea starts his first international at loosehead.
Melbourne’s 21-year-old winger Darby Lancaster debuts on the wing, Len Ikitau returns from injury at outside centre, Nick Frost is back in the team at lock, while halves Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson reunite for the first time since last year’s World Cup.
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Originally published as Joe Schmidt issues warning to Harry Wilson after recalling backrower to Wallabies
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