NSW Waratahs scrumhalf Teddy Wilson is preparing to follow in his dad's footsteps as he leads the Junior Wallabies against the New Zealand U20s on Monday.
Leadership and the gold jersey is in the 20-year-old's blood with dad David played in two World Cups, including winning the hallmark event in 1999.
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The backrower also captained the side in nine Test between 1997 and '99, creating a unique legacy of father and son captaining their countries,
“It was an honour when Greysy let me know I was going to captain this side and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Wilson said ahead of the two-Test series.
“He had a great reaction, he was really happy for me and proud.
He’s been in similar positions in his career so it’s great to have him there, he was giving me advice before coming on to this camp knowing that I was captain.
“He was giving me a few pointers on what I should do and shouldn’t do. It’s great to have someone like him who’s experienced all this stuff so I can lean on him when I need to.”
Coach Nathan Grey has named a strong side for the opening Test as they look to put last year's thumping defeat behind them.
Wilson starts alongside Waratah and Easts teammates Jack Bowen, with Rebel Mason Gordon slotting in at fullback.
Gordon's Rebel lock Daniel Maiava-Tapusoa provides significant size to the pack, joined by Jhy Legg whilst vice-captain Ned Slack-Smith slots into a back-row that includes Brumby Lachlan Hooper and Reds number eight John Bryant.
There is Super Rugby experience on the reserves with Reds centre Taj Annan and winger Floyd Aubrey providing class to finish off the game.
“We got a score put on us so the boys that experienced that last year are definitely motivated to get on put,” Wilson added.
“I think last year their physicality outmatched us. They were just playing on top of us and we started slow and chased our tails towards the end. We know how physical they are going to be and we’re up for it.
“These two games are definitely going to set us up for the (U20s) World Cup. The boys are looking to do well against New Zealand. We feel if we can have some solid performances, it’ll set us up nicely.”
1 Jack Barrett
2. Max Craig
3. Massimo De Lutiis
4. Daniel Maiava-Tapusoa
5. Jhy Legg
6. Lachlan Hooper
7. Ned Slack-Smith
8. John Bryant
9. Teddy Wilson
10. Jack Bowen
11. Tim Ryan
12. David Vaihu
13. Henry O'Donnell
14. Ronan Leahy
15. Mason Gordon
RESERVES
16. Liam Bowron
17. Harrison Usher
18. Nick Bloomfield
19. Leafi Talataina
20. Dan Nelson
21. Nick Baker
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
23. Taj Annan
24. Floyd Aubrey
25. Ollie McCrea
