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.”
Lats
Guest
Oh thats harsh.... we're happy to have them where-ever they come from :-) We need a few more like them, plus a handful of Samoans, Fijians and Tongans.. maybe half a dozen young forwards from the high veldt..and then we will be half a chance to beat NZ ..
GWS
Guest
Would b great to see qc thump rd
Funk
Guest
Ok maybe not punching, but a swift kick in the pants just before they slam the door would be good.
Bazza all black
Guest
Agree, the Ozzie posters seem more worried who was born where... We have so much talent , does not orry us where oz get their talent from...
Red Kev
Guest
I don't think Deans needs punching, just firing. Quade on the other hand...
Funk
Guest
RK, "part of me hopes that he walks in the room and just lamps him (knocking sense into someone the old fashioned way is under-rated" so exactly who do you want to lamp who? I think they both needs some sense knocked into them the old fasioned way, for totally different reasons.
Red Kev
Guest
Speaking of kiwi-Wallabies, Deans is having a kiss and make up meeting with Cooper according to Fox Sports ... part of me hopes that he walks in the room and just lamps him (knocking sense into someone the old fashioned way is under-rated).
Funk
Guest
"kiwi fans could not give a stuff where he was born", Yeah right.....on just about every one of these forums all you ever hear about is which wallaby was born in nz (or who's mum/dad/grandma/granddad/neighbour/neighbours cousin/neighbours second cousin/neighbours cousins dogs fathers former owner) was from nz, and have a guess who brings this up? Just look down a few of comments!
The Mountain
Roar Rookie
It was great to see the New Zealand coached Wallabies have 100% of their points scored by there Kiwi players with Mike Harris kicking all of the goals and Digby scoring the try in their last game against the Pumas. lol
Ra
Guest
Good on you Harris you earned your spot
Riccardo
Guest
Hope Deans has been testing his aerial ability which has been shown up in the past, for he will surely be tested.
Bazza all black
Guest
Harris who, kiwi fans could not give a stuff where he was born... If he plays well great, otherwise a non event and frankly this is a non article...
jame
Guest
good luck to Harris. Would be wierd though playing against team mates that you played with only a few year ago.