Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson has little doubt flyhalf Carter Gordon can shrug off the rust and execute in Sunday’s (AEDT) clash with Italy.
Gordon will end a 518-day stint away from the game as he returns to Rugby Union and the gold jersey.
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Since that period, the 24-year-old has been through a lot; from serious injuries, welcoming a new born and his NRL debut.
A quad injury kept him on the sidelines for the start of the tour, making him unavailable for selection against Japan and England.
But Wilson has been impressed with the way Gordon has seamlessly slotted into the group.
“Carter's been awesome, he's only been part of this group for I think three and a bit weeks and he's already added so much, he's just a natural footballer,” Wilson said.
“Obviously he's spending a bit of time in league, he definitely didn't lose much of his rugby knowledge and the way we play the game. You can see he's definitely watching a lot of our footy because he was across everything when he came in and he's been really good for the group.
"I can't wait to watch him go out there and play because he's trained tremendously over the last few weeks, even with his little niggle, whenever he got on the track he was performing well and he definitely gives us a lot of confidence.”
Gordon’s return is coupled with the availability of flanker Tom Hooper after the former Brumby linked up with Premiership side Exeter.
Hooper’s influence has been felt instantly in England, with the larrikin forward helping the Chiefs to back-to-back wins to start his campaign.
His return allows the Wallabies to unleash Rob Valetini from the bench, joined there by Pete Samu.
“It's always great having ‘Hoops’ back in the fold,” Wilson believes. “We love Hoops, he's a ball of energy on and off the field.
“His work rate is unbelievable and he loves carrying the ball, he loves getting across the advantage line and that's one of his greatest strengths.
“It's great to have him back in and then to have someone like Bobby coming off the bench and really changing the game late is a massive advantage for us and hopefully we can definitely use that to our advantage.”
