NSW Waratahs five-eighth Will Harrison is excited rather than nervous at the prospect of a testing Super Rugby debut against the formidable Crusaders knowing veterans Kurtey Beale and Karmichael Hunt have his back.
With slightly more experienced five-eight Mack Mason suffering a groin issue and coach Rob Penney preferring Beale at fullback, Harrison has been handed responsibility for steering the Waratahs around the field in Nelson on Saturday
Harrison impressed in the Tahs’ two-pre-season trials and says he’s already experienced some “big moments”.
They include starting at five-eighth for the Junior Wallabies in their world under-20 championship final loss to France in Argentina last July.
Less than two months later he played for his Sydney club side Randwick against Argentina in a pre-World Cup hitout for the Pumas.
“I’ve had a few big moments in my career already but it’s a step up going to Nelson and taking on the Crusaders and a few All Blacks in that squad. But I’m looking forward to it,” Harrison said.
“Not really nervous at the moment, so I’m just excited, enjoying my week.”
While Penney has invested a lot of faith in Harrison, the youngster won’t be short of high quality support.
“There are boys in the squad that are going to take the pressure off me, playing with people like Kurtley Beale and (inside centre) Karmichael Hunt; there’s a lot of experience there,” Harrison said.
“They are going to take a lot of weight off my shoulders and help me out when I need it on the field.”
Asked to describe his style, Harrison said: “If there’s a situation put in front of me, I’m going to take it. I’m out there having some fun and doing my thing.
“Rob (Penney) has got a very attacking style of footy so he wants me to do what I do best and that’s choose the right option.”
Harrison’s selection this week means the three 2019 Junior Wallabies playmakers in the world championship final will start at five-eighth for different teams in Super Rugby this week.
Noah Lolesio, who played inside centre in Argentina, will make his Super debut for the Brumbies against the Reds, whose five-eighth is Isaac Lucas, who was Junior Wallabies fullback and has played just one Super game.