He has just 28 minutes of Super Rugby experience, but hooker Jordan Uelese is confident he will be able to hold his own when he makes his Wallabies debut against South Africa in Perth.
Uelese was the selection bolter when coach Michael Cheika named his squad on Thursday.
The 20-year-old has been named on the bench on Saturday, and will become the ninth Wallaby to make his debut this year if he makes it out onto the pitch.
Uelese has made just three appearances off the bench for the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby.
But his hot form at under-20 level and strong performances in Wallabies camp convinced Cheika that Uelese was ready to be thrown into the deep end against South Africa at nib Stadium.
“I just see so much potential in him,” Cheika said.
“He’s a very strong scrummager. He’s strong in the physical contest.
“I figure this is a great opportunity against a team that is renowned for that part of their game.
“He’s not a quiet guy. He’s prepared to put himself out there, and I like that.
“Yes, it’s a big occasion. But it’s just rugby.”
Tatafu Polota-Nau, who will start as hooker, took Uelese under his wing when the youngster first came into Wallabies camp.
Despite the 12 year age difference, the pair have become good friends, forming a brotherly-type bond.
Polota-Nau, who dons arguably the best afro in world rugby, was more than happy to put Uelese’s hairdo under the spotlight.
“I just bag him out for his dislikes, and the fact that he’s got shocking hair,” Polota-Nau said of Uelese, who has shaved the sides of his head at a unique angle.
“Embrace it really. You just want to grow it, because (then) everyone wants to touch it.
“Mind you he can dance – that’s one thing I don’t have. I’m quite envious of that.”
Uelese’s mum, dad, and brother will fly to Perth to watch his debut.
He said he never dreamed of playing for the Wallabies this early in his career, but now wants to make the most of it.
“Having 28 minutes of Super Rugby isn’t ideal in terms of experience,” Uelese said.
“But when you’re training and feeding off the knowledge of all these players, you do feel more comfortable going in. I back myself in that aspect.”
PeterK
Roar Guru
exactly any aspiring force player should try and join the tahs, fast tracked into wallabies.
ThugbyFan
Guest
G'day Scott, now that the ARU have cut the Force, Jermaine would be advised to join the mighty Waratahs, springboard to the Wallabies. Serve as apprentice to S.Kepu during the SR2018 season, learn the dark arts training as reserve TH, play a couple of games for 30 minutes and whammo he is in the WB team. Easy As. :)
Jerry
Guest
Don't think Waikato were in the 2nd division at that stage - besides, Sivivatu had already played test rugby (including against NZ) before his AB selection, so not sure that really counts.
Number 12
Guest
Good luck to him - wonder how Chibba Hanson & Andrew Reddy feel ....
Paulo
Roar Rookie
I saw Latu play for the Rams last week at TG Millner, not surprised he's omitted. He looked out of form. I think he played well for the Waratahs this year, great ruck work. Using my light blue tinted glasses, best Aussie hooked in action. But he does look out of shape. BTW, it was a great game of rugby. Mack Mason played an excellent game, as did Jed Halloway. Going to the Ram vs Rays tomorrow on the back of that game, should be another great entertainer.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
...another born and bred NZer getting picked by Choker for his WBs....therein lies the problem for AUS rugby....no talent called AUSTRALIAN to call upon...what a shame....
Ben
Guest
Stealing?? Its not like Aus hasnt "stolen"any NZ players is it?? ..and Lomax is a NZ Maori.
Jerry
Guest
All even now, two stolen apiece.
soapit
Guest
yeah he probably wasnt too keen to join the list of stockpiled players that get 1 test to lock them in and go back to the bottom of the pile. hopefully they explained that wouldnt be the case at least
Ulrich
Guest
He will play against the not so great Bongi rather than Marx so there's no issue really. If Bismarck was on the bench with Marx starting that might have been a bit of a baptism of fire.
Ben Gibbon
Roar Guru
Best of luck to the young fella - I hope for Australian rugby that his talent is well managed and he can be part of a new Wallabies forward pack along side Sio, Arnold, Hooper etc. I'm never confident of blooding players this young on the biggest stage, but that doesn't mean it won't pay dividends. Get'm and give the Perth crowd something to cheer for!
Ben Gibbon
Roar Guru
Best of luck to the young fella - I hope for Australian rugby that his talent is well managed and he can be part of a new Wallabies forward pack along side Sio, Arnold, Hooper etc. I'm never confident of blooding players this young on the biggest stage, but that doesn't mean it won't pay dividends. Get'm and give the Perth crowd something to cheer for!
ScottD
Guest
I think his time will come now that he'll be playing for an eastern states team in 2018
ScottD
Guest
Don't worry we still have jermaine Ainsly. The Force rated him as their best tighthead this year. 21 and the son of AB Joe McDowell who reckons he taught him everything he knows. J said he intends to stay in Aus and was at the WB training camp this year so fair is fair.
ScottD
Guest
I am happy for him but front row against SA is a big ask. I struggle to believe that there isn't a single hooker or reserve hooker in the 5 Aussie SR teams that doesn't deserve a spot before him. Surely they can't all be injured?
ScottD
Guest
I am happy for him but front row against SA is a big ask. I struggle to believe that there isn't a single hooker or reserve hooker in the 5 Aussie SR teams that doesn't deserve a spot before him. Surely they can't all be injured?
DavSA
Guest
And Jantjies will have a hair comp with him.
poyns
Guest
Interseting comment, I met Topo years ago and was surprised by his size, or lack of.
Gilbert
Guest
There was a Sivivatu that came from the npc 2nd division to the all blacks. Made his debut for the ABs before playing super rugby.
Harry Jones
Expert
Marx plays 70:00+ so Jordan will have baptism of scrum fire