New Wallabies Jock Campbell and Langi Gleeson's introductions to Test Rugby were far from standard, reflecting on two similar but different paths to their debut.
Campbell and Gleeson become Wallaby #959 and #960 during their 16-15 victory over Scotland in Murrayfield, coming in the last 15 minutes.
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Their journey to the gold jerseys were complete opposites; Campbell grinding his way into the side after years of soild showings for the Reds whilst as for Gleeson, he was uncapped at both state and national level entering 2022.
However, both ended up in the 23 with injury remaining a common theme for Wallabies debutants over the past 12 months.
For Campbell, it was overcoming yet another setback. The Reds outside back had overcome a groin injury that limited him in 2021 before missing the middle of the Super Rugby Pacific season with a hand injury.
Campbell's bad luck with injuries almost continued during the Scotland build-up as he tweaked his ankle, leaving him and his family with a nervous wait before getting the all-clear.
“On the Monday or Tuesday I was in the gym and just rolled the ankle,” he explained to reporters.
“When the team was announced, I had the Game Ready (wrap) and ice on the ankle and I was unsure whether I would play or not. The physio that night said I was good to go so it turned into more nervousness and then getting the ankle right.
“(My parents) had to leave before Thursday’s session so it was a little bit of risk for them but I assured them I’d be right. They were a bit nervous."
Gleeson was on the flip side, having originally missed out on selection before he was placed on standby when Pete Samu tweaked his back during the week.
“On Saturday at 10am I got the call from (Dave) Rennie that he’d pulled out and I was in so I was pretty excited with that,” Gleeson said.
“I was pretty stoked, told my roommate Nick Frost first who was ecstatic with that. I then called the brother and Mum and Dad, I’m pretty sure it was late at night. They were really happy to hear about that and watch the game at 3:30 am in the morning.
“I didn’t expect to be a Wallaby within 10 years. I was just trying to make my Waratahs debut this year. It's pretty special it's all happened, it's such a blur."
Both came on with less than 15 minutes to go but relished the opportunity, looking to add further appearances as the tour heads to Paris to face France.
“Everyone’s looking for more minutes or a start," Campbell added.
"It was a bit different coming off the bench down a couple of points so it was definitely a pressure situation.
“I thought the boys handled it really well and to sneak a win was awesome, I was pretty stoked.”
