Henry Speight wants to repay the country that’s given him a better life when he makes his long-awaited Test debut for Australia against Ireland.
It’s taken four years for the rampaging Fijian-born winger to become eligible to play for his adopted homeland.
But Speight says whatever the outcome at Lansdowne Road on Saturday (Sunday morning AEDT), it will have been worth the wait.
“It’s going to be a really special moment,” said Speight, who joined the Brumbies in 2011.
“Australia has given me this opportunity to have not only a good career but a better life, to be able to provide for myself and my family back in Fiji.
“It’s humbling that this moment is upon me and there’s no issue whatsoever about the time it has taken.
“There’s been people who went their whole career without playing for the Wallabies so I’m very grateful.”
Speight gets his chance in place of the rested Joe Tomane and the 26-year-old believes he’ll benefit from a first taste of international rugby in Australia’s tour-opening win over the Barbarians.
Wallabies and Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has been on the receiving end of Speight’s brilliance in Super Rugby and is relishing a chance to work with the big winger.
“He had an absolutely outstanding Super Rugby season. It’s almost like there was a moratorium on tackling him at one stage,” Cheika said.
“I think it’s an opportunity well and truly deserved.
“He’s now got himself fully fit (after a hamstring injury) and I’m really looking forward to seeing him play his first Test.”
Birdy
Guest
Every English player in the current squad either came to England as a kid or has English heritage. I would have reached for the sick bag if an English 'journo' had written this line about people like Waldrom or Henry Paul in the past (although none ever did). No problems with Henry Speight as a guy - he's doing what he thinks is best for his career. But he couldn't even serve the initial residency period without nipping back to NZ to have a go at one of their provincial teams so spare me the misty-eyed love of Oz cobblers. A 'better life'? As a well-known. up and coming professional rugby player he was hardly rescued from a rickety boat trying to reach the 'promised land'.
Wardad
Guest
Wanting to repay your adopted country is too hard a concept for him to grasp ,apparently money is the only motivator birdy understands . Kudos to Speight , I joined the Australian Army myself in order to give something back but I suppose to some I was literally just being a mercenary.
Wardad
Guest
Only newly minted English players are allowed to play for the love of country it seems .Yup all English bully beef and wellies to the core all of em !All playing for Queen and country !
Rugby101
Guest
Excuse me..what?
Birdy
Guest
'Henry Speight wants to repay the country that's given him a better life' - Oh Please; give me a break.
Sportym
Guest
I hope he has a blinder! Best of luck speight, best decision cheika has made so far.