NSW Waratahs revelation Mark Nawaqanitawase has emerged as an unlikely World Cup go-to man following an inspired spring tour of Europe.
After starting the Super Rugby season on the bench for the Waratahs, Nawaqanitawase finished the year as a stand-out winger on the end of Australia's backline for the Wallabies' last three Tests.
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The 22-year-old's second-half try-scoring double sparked the Wallabies' incredible 39-34 comeback win over Wales from 21 points down with 23 minutes remaining on Saturday night.
But more than just a fine finisher, Nawaqanitawase's offload and aerial skills, handy off-the-ball work and all-round physical presence are giving the Wallabies a point of difference.
And all this after Nawaqanitawase only made the European tour after fielding a phone call from Wallabies coach Dave Rennie while in Auckland for a holiday with his girlfriend.
“It’s exciting for him, he’s really grown in the last 12 months," Rennie said at the time.
"We brought him into camp to give ourselves a bit of cover when he came back from Sevens so it’s nice to officially name him in our squad.”
Summoned straight back to Sydney, the 192cm X-factor hasn't looked back since debuting in Australia's shock 28-27 loss to Italy three weeks ago.
"I guess that's life," Nawaqanitawase said after his brace at Principality Stadium.
"Things go up and down sometimes, but I'm grateful for where I am at the moment and I couldn't score those tries without the boys."
After a breakout 2022 campaign, Wallabies legend Tim Horan called for the young flyer to avoid the 'second year syndrome' as he looks to cement his standing heading to the World Cup
“The big thing now for Mark is that he feels he belongs in a gold jersey," Horan said via Stan Sport.
"That usually takes probably five or 10 Test matches, he’s done it in two or three. The big challenge for Mark now is to go back to the Waratahs after this tour, take what he’s learned from this tour and actually step up again because that second year syndrome is very difficult in a gold jersey.
"Players start to look at videos, start to analyse what your weaknesses are, what your strengths are.
"He’ll be marked harder next year, but it’s a good opportunity for him to grow.”
