Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga'a is embracing the impending arrival of Tolu Latu as they prepare for humid conditions against Japan.
Fainga'a has impressed since earning a call-up to the Wallabies squad, retaining the starting spot since the third Bledisloe Test.
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This comes despite the Brumbies hooker initially missing out on selection for the pre-season camp and French series as Dave Rennie searches for his starter.
Despite showing continuity in his selection process with Fainga'a over the past four games, this hasn't stopped the coaching staff calling up new hookers Tolu Latu and Connal McInerney for the Spring Tour.
With Latu impressing since making the move overseas, the 26-year-old was excited about his impending arrival when they head to Europe, welcoming the added 'headache' for selectors.
“It’s great competition to have and an added headache for selectors,” Fainga’a told reporters on Tuesday.
“In terms of my role, it stays the same. It’s just good to have an extra pair of hands of our stock there.
“With the experience Tolu has and the blinder of a season he’s having over there, it’ll be great to have him in our set-up. Everyone here is looking forward to having him here.”
However, the focus remains on Saturday's clash with Japan, with the Wallabies forced to quickly acclimatise to the Japanese heat and humidity.
To prepare for the Olympics back in July, the Australian Sevens side took the unique step of practising in Darwin in order to get up to speed with the conditions expected in Tokyo.
Whilst the Wallabies won't have that luxury, they are drawing off their experiences from the 2019 World Cup as they prepare for the rapid fast game style of the Brave Blossoms.
“It’s been good (getting back into training). The first session was about blowing a bit of black smoke out from a long day of travel but the way the boys have recovered and got together for a couple of quality sessions has been good,” Fainga’a admitted.
“You still get that type of feel when you train here as the (2019) World Cup. You knew what was coming so you try and mentally prepare."
“I think the difference here is you play all your games (early in the day), the earliest is around 11 am, the latest being at 2 pm which is something I enjoyed,” flyhalf Quade Cooper added.
“Being a guy who gets up quite early, those games really suit me. If you play a game like a couple of weeks ago which was 8 pm, for me that’s a massive day so I’m looking forward to the early 1:45 pm start on Saturday.”
