Western Force lock Darcy Swain is itching to press his claims for a dream Wallabies return on Saturday against the British & Irish Lions.
Swain is one of five Wallabies in the 36-player squad for Fiji that will turn out for the tour game at Optus Stadium.
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The 27-year-old last pulled on the gold jersey in 2022, with a stellar year for the Force vaulting him right back into contention.
Whilst there were thoughts his time in the Wallabies set-up might've be over, the 17-cap lock has his close support network for keeping his hopes up.
“It sort of always crossed my mind, but I've just had a lot of people in my corner over the last two years, and they've helped me stay motivated, genuinely,” Swain told reporters.
“I always believed in myself that I'd get back here and now it's just trying to get back into the 23 and just keep working on myself.
“I've had a lot of people that have backed me, and so I've always felt like I was going to get back in here, it was just a matter of time, and I'm just grateful for the people around me.”
Throughout this period, Swain received feedback from coach Joe Schmidt and Laurie Fisher, with Fisher and Swain’s connection dating back to their time at the Brumbies.
One of the first calls after his selection was to close mate Len Ikitau, with the pair set to reunite in gold after their emotional separation last year.
“He asked me first actually,” Swain explained. "If you didn't get the phone call from Joe, I think it was Wednesday night, you were in the clear. I didn't get the phone call, and Len asked me, and we just started chatting about it.
“He was stoked for me, and I'm stoked for him as well. He's one of the best centres in the world so it'll be good to hopefully get on the field with him again.”
Before that, Swain knows he needs a good performance against a Lions squad hurting following last week’s defeat against Argentina.
“I would have been pretty disappointed if they had taken me away because I really wanted to play for the Force against the Lions,” he admits. “If I do get that opportunity, it’s one that I’m not going to want to look back on and regret a few things.
“…We’ve been right in it in our games. Although some of them have slipped away from us, we've been right up there and tested the best and that gives everyone a heap of confidence,” Swain believes.
“I know if we just get our week right and nail ourselves individually, we'll be where we want to be."
It will be Swain’s first game on Optus Stadium since his red carding in 2022, with the incident firmly in the rear view mirror for the matured lock.
“It’s not a good memory and I try not to think about it. It’s in the past now and I’ve moved on,” he added.
“I've been growing as a player the last three years or so. I won't be thinking about it Saturday night, but it's just all about the game ahead.”
