The positions may have changed but Len Ikitau believes his long-standing partnership with Isaac Henry can be crucial for the Wallabies in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup opener against the All Blacks.
Ikitau and Henry will start in the centres for the first time for the Wallabies in Auckland as the Australians look to end their 40-year drought at Eden Park.
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The pair went to school together at Brisbane Boys College, with three other squad members from the Queensland school.
Back then, Henry was a budding half coming through the ranks.
Now, the two shift as Ikitau moves to inside centre to replace Hunter Paisami, with Henry outside him.
“The last time I played with ‘Zaccy', he was my nine and then he was my ten so he's grown over the last couple of years and just to see him get his opportunity and make the most of the opportunity [is great]. He's an awesome player and he's going to add a lot to our back line,” Ikitau told reporters.
“I think it's crazy that we've got five 'BBC' boys in the squad. I'm not bragging about it, but it's just an awesome school and I think the rugby in the last couple of years have been good for our school.”
Ikitau is one of several with Kiwi connections in the Wallabies squad, growing up in Auckland between the ages of 3 and 11.
Former All Blacks prop Aidan Ross will face the Kiwis for the first time since switching to the gold jersey, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Brandon Paenga-Amosa born in Auckland.
“I think just playing the All Blacks, you get to stand there and listen to the anthem and then watch the haka. You get goosebumps,” Ikitau remarked.
“Being able to come back here and play in front of all my family makes it special so I’m excited.
It gave Ikitau even more motivation to shrug off an ankle niggle that forced him off in the win over the Springboks, as he hunted for his first win over the All Blacks.
“I think for me, it's just the opportunity to play for the Wallabies. Honestly, I’d play every week if I have to and it's just an awesome opportunity for me to play against the All Blacks and I'm excited,” he added.
“I know that it’s going to be a tough game. I don't think I've played a game where we've been in the Warblacks, so it'll be nice to get one over them.”
