It’s enough to warrant a laser in the eye from the grandstand. But Auckland-bred Mike Harris reckons there will be no fallout with New Zealand relatives when he lines up for the Wallabies against the All Blacks for the first time at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Just lining up a kick was enough to prompt lasers being shone at Harris from the Rosario stands when he helped inspire the Wallabies’ recent 25-19 win over hosts Argentina.
However, Harris is only expecting positive feedback from family across the ditch ahead of a game he rated more important than his Test debut.
“It’s going to be massive, hopefully there are no lasers out there – there shouldn’t be,” Harris chuckled.
“I am not too sure if all the relatives will have a Wallabies jersey on but definitely mum and dad.”
Harris said he was “bubbling with excitement” after retaining his place at fullback against the world champions.
Digby Ioane’s knee injury ensured Harris kept the No.15 jersey with Ben Tapuai at outside centre as Adam Ashley-Cooper, the Wallabies’ most-experienced back with 72 caps, returned on the wing.
In only his second start for Australia at No.15, Harris will receive a reminder of just how far he has come when he lines up against opposite number Israel Dagg.
Just four years ago, Harris was doing the haka alongside Dagg as part of the New Zealand under-20s Junior World Cup-winning side.
“He was a phenomenal athlete and talent right from schoolboy level – he seemed destined to go onto bigger and better things,” Harris said of Dagg.
“(Now) he is definitely up there in the top three fullbacks in the world.
“He is just getting better and better as he gets more time in that jersey – it’s going to be a big challenge.”
But Dagg may be the least of Harris’ problems as he looks to cement the fullback role.
Harris’ radar boot is an asset – he kicked seven from eight in Rosario and set the Super Rugby record streak of 24 straight goals earlier this year.
But his reliability under the high ball has been questioned and sure to be tested by All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter.
“Dan has been in the All Blacks side for a long time so I have been able to watch him and where he likes to kick it, so that helps,” Harris said.
“This is a good opportunity. I am more used to the inside centre role and at fly-half, but I definitely want to add this string to my bow so I get in a position where I can’t be left out of the side.”
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