Wallabies back-rower Pete Samu is ready for his second chance at the gold jersey ahead of his return against Italy.
Samu is set to make his Test return via the bench on Sunday (AEDT) in Udine, selected for the first time since 2023.
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The former Brumby has returned home to NSW after two years overseas with Bordeaux, helping them become a French powerhouse to continue his winning ways.
The 33-year-old guided them to their maiden European Rugby Champions Cup after scoring in the quarter and semi-finals against Munster and Toulouse, respectively.
In both seasons he was there, Bordeaux reached the Top 14 Final, having never made it to the decider before.
Having won several premierships at the Crusaders and a Super Rugby AU title with the Brumbies, Samu was excited at the opportunity to bring further success to the gold jersey.
“It's a pretty exciting opportunity. I've been away for a few years now and to see how far this group has come and been performing has been pretty exciting to get back into the group," he remarked.
"I wouldn’t say much has changed. I had longer hair back [when I last played], I think. I hope that I can have the same impact that I did back then with this group."
Samu's first stint in the gold jersey largely came under coach Dave Rennie, who handed him the majority of his 34 caps.
He could see the similarities between the ex-Chiefs boss and current coach Joe Schmidt as they look to build up the Wallabies.
“Two great coaches with different styles, I just feel like the group's a very tight group. They're just really trying to get better each week," Samu remarked.
“I couldn't pinpoint a difference between the two, but one thing that hasn't changed is how this group is willing to get better each week."
Samu knows the threats the Italians possess, with the likes of Ange Capuozzo (Toulouse), Paolo Garbisi and skipper Ignacio Brex (both Toulon) playing in the Top 14.
“[Capuozzo's] probably only one of the many backs that they've got who can really light up the field," he added.
“I've played a couple of Italian boys over in France and what you see on the world stage is what they're producing in the Top 14. We've got our work cut out for us. Our focus is really on preparing well and hopefully doing a job this weekend.”
