Wallabies lock Josh Canham is looking to parlay a strong Australia A performance into a Test recall ahead of Saturday's clash with Japan.
Canham was one of several in the end-of-year squad that made the trip early and impressed during a thumping 71-7 victory over Japan XV in Osaka.
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The second-rower combined beautifully with Darcy Swain to dismantle the hosts' lineout, stealing a combined five throws whilst not losing one all afternoon.
He also set up a try to Swain, showing his athleticism to race down the field and throw the final pass.
"I think we prepped well and that got the results at lineout time and lineout defence, but I think the scoreboard reflected the game. We had quite a good effort and test in certain areas," he told reporters.
"Nothing really relates to game fitness at training, it's nothing quite the same, so we talked about that and just proving myself in that aspect and just getting a chance to lead some of the boys."
The Red is eager to add to his lone cap, coming off the bench against Argentina in 2024, having inspired Bond Uni to a breakthrough Hospital Cup title in August.
That taste of action overseas was motivating Canham to reclaim his spot in the side.
"You see how cool Test rugby [is] and how awesome it would be to play instead of being so close and then not quite getting picked, it's very motivating to just work hard and get better and make sure that eventually you will be picked," he reflected.
"Going back to club was good fun and I think I had lots of motivation through other things, but [returning to the Wallabies] was definitely one of them."
With Will Skelton and Tom Hooper likely unavailable for the next two games against Japan and England, it shapes as the perfect time for Canham to regain his spot in the 23.
"We've talked about that full squad mentality, so just being ready every week, training hard, and just if the opportunity comes, just being ready for it," he believes.
"As long as I'm improving all the time then I think opportunities come and go, but [it's] just being ready for when it does come is my goal at the moment."
