Wallabies winger Tom Wright is gearing up to replace Marika Koroibete, eager to impress after a self-admitted disappointing showing against France.
Wright earned selection to start the first two tests of the international season in July after a solid season for the Brumbies.
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Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, he would be dropped from the side after the second Test, with the likes of Andrew Kellaway jumping him in the depth chart.
With Koroibete remaining in Melbourne to be with family, coach Dave Rennie has opted to hand Wright just his sixth start in gold, just reward after a positive performance from the bench against Argentina.
“It was very close. We were pretty happy with Jordy’s last effort, but we are anticipating it to be a very quick game,” Rennie said on Thursday.
“We think Jordy’s best value is going to be off the bench. He does give us versatility, but we’re not convinced he would go 80 (minutes) if he started...It gives us more flexibility with Jordie on the bench where he can cover midfield and outside backs."
Wright didn't have to search far for advice about his game - or at all in fact, giving a blunt assessment on his previous showings at the start of the year.
“I didn’t have to go asking Dave (what I needed to change), I played pretty s***,” he put bluntly on Thursday.
“I just had to go away and work on a couple of things like holding onto the ball, it’s probably not a good thing to be dropping the ball in Rugby so when you do that a couple of times doesn’t help.
“…I’m really happy where I am when it comes to training and got a little longer than what I anticipated last game against Argentina when Samu went down.
“The opportunity came a little bit earlier and I was pleased with what I was able to get out on the field and ideally, I can do the same next week and put a positive performance on the park.”
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Having grasped the opportunity, Wright was out to put on a strong performance, knowing there is plenty of competition waiting in the wings.
“I was really disappointed with myself in the couple of games against France,” he added.
“To be able to go away, chip away at the things I needed to work on and build some confidence and belief back in myself again amongst a group that was starting to perform and put some wins together on the trot before coming here.
“It makes it a real competitive side and I’ve seen some guys mention how competitive nature in the team is bringing out the best in pretty much everyone that’s putting the jersey on.”
