A January address from John Eales and Geoff Parling has bounced around in Harry Wilson’s head all year.
The incumbent Wallabies captain was ready to run through walls for Australia back then.
Former Test skipper Eales, who delayed retirement to add a 2001 British & Irish Lions series victory, and Parling, a 2013 Lions tourist now on Joe Schmidt’s coaching staff, had the squad’s full attention.
“We know how big it is, but until you hear those sort of people talking about it,” Wilson recalled to AAP ahead of Saturday’s series opener in Brisbane.
“Someone who’d already won two World Cups, captained, and to still feel like he wanted to tick something off like that.
“You take a deep breath … it spikes the hairs on your neck.”
But the Queensland Reds back-rower had to bottle that buzz, aware that his dream could be dashed by injury or, having been in and out of the team since his 2020 debut, non-selection.
“I don’t like looking too far ahead, because the moment you do start looking, something bad could happen,” the No.8 said.
Australian captain John Eales (C) and his teammates celebrate after winning the 1999 Rugby Union World Cup final against France. Australia won the final 35 to 12. (Photo by Franck Seguin/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
Parling hasn’t retraced the steps he took in January with the group, insistent that there hasn’t been nostalgic moments this week.
“I shared some things back in January, but I’m very wary it’s not about me,” he said.
“These big games, it’s still the same game … but the circus around it is bigger, the moments in every game matter a little bit more.”
Wilson has proven to be a man for the moment, scoring the match-winner against Fiji in the Wallabies’ only lead-in Test.
In 2013, Australia lost the corresponding Lions fixture 23-21, levelled up in Melbourne with a one-point win and were trounced in the Sydney decider.
Twelve years earlier, Eales’ champion side were caught out at the Gabba in Brisbane before rallying to claim the series.
Regarded as long shots to upset the red-hot Lions, Wilson will channel that 2013 squad’s mentality.
“That if it doesn’t work the first time, it doesn’t mean it won’t the second if you do it better, so back yourself.”
© AAP
