Into the 'deep end': Canham relishing Wallabies call-up for Argentina trip

Tue, Aug 27, 2024, 12:27 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies host South Africa in the second Test of the Flight Centre Rugby Championship at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Wallabies call-up Josh Canham is looking to make the most of his inclusion in the squad for their trip to Argentina.

Canham was added to the squad after a string of concussions following the Springboks defeat in Brisbane.

Tickets to 2024 Wallabies home Tests are available here.

The 23-year-old remained with the squad for the two-Test series starting September 1, with the second-rower impressed with the atmosphere that awaited him in camp.

“I wasn’t expecting to be in the squad but loving being here now. The move to the Reds was pretty quick after Rebels and straight into the deep end, it’s the quickest way to learn and loved every minute of it," he told reporters.

“Getting the call-up was unexpected with a few head knocks and last week and just coming in, I noticed all the boys are just such a tight unit.

“They’re disappointed after that first South Africa Test but the way they play together to try and improve on everything I just something I was really impressed with. I think there’s just a big mindset in the group to get better and improve each week.”

Canham was one of the surprise omissions from Joe Schmidt's first squad as coach after a breakout year with the Rebels.

The lock was taking on board the key advice from Schmidt as he looks to improve his craft.

“Initially the feedback was trying to put on a bit more weight and get a bit stronger so I can be more dominant in contact areas, especially in defence," he said on what Schmidt told him after his non-selection.

“Also with my style of game, if there’s 50/50 passes and one goes the wrong way and gives the ball away, it’s a lot harder to get it back in Test footy so I’ve been working on controlling the ball a bit more along as putting on some weight.

“…It’s just being confident (and) backing myself when the opportunity is right. As long as I’m doing all the little things right, I can live with not perfect execution but when the pass is probably not on and I’m trying to force it, when I’m not looking, those are the ones I need to get rid of.”

Since then, Canham has linked up with the Queensland Reds and was thrust straight into international action against Wales and Tonga.

“It’s like a little stepping stone in-between Super Rugby and international," he added.

“It was great to get that experience going forward.”

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