Exclusive: Jock Campbell’s four-year Wallabies exile is nearly over.
Nine.com.au can reveal that the 31-year-old Queensland Reds fullback is poised to play his first Test in 1316 days against Ireland in Sydney on Saturday.
Jock Campbell poses during a Wallabies portrait session. Getty
Despite many expecting Max Jorgensen to wear the No.15 jersey, it’s understood that Campbell has won first crack in the crucial position for the sold-out Nations Championship opener at Allianz Stadium.
Jorgensen will start on the wing while Tom Wright – who returned from a ruptured ACL in April – is set to make his Wallabies comeback from the bench.
Ryan Lonergan is poised to make his first Test start at halfback and kick goals, with Carter Gordon looming as the No.10.
The versatile Ben Donaldson is likely to come off the bench.
Harry Wilson is expected to continue as captain while Reds lock Josh Canham is firming to be the big inclusion in the pack.
Angus Bell will feature after returning from Ulster and will share loosehead propping duties with James Slipper, who has come out of retirement to add to his Wallabies record 151 Tests.
Coach Joe Schmidt will announce his team on Thursday at 1pm AEST and Campbell is a great story in perseverance.
Campbell played the last of his four Tests under Dave Rennie in the historic loss to Italy in Florence in 2022.
Despite consistently strong form, he never got a look in under Eddie Jones or Schmidt until now.
His return comes after his best Super Rugby season, where he was included in the competition’s official team of the tournament.
Campbell had several match-winning performances, notably against Moana Pasifika and the ACT Brumbies.
He spoke to the media in June after being named in the squad.
“It’s definitely a sort of first-day-of-school type of vibe,” Campbell said.
“Just excited to rip in. My focus this year was just to play well for the Reds and go better as a team, and now I’m just happy to be here.”
Schmidt said he had been impressed by the Queenslander’s work-rate, pace and kicking ability.
“He’s had a really good season,” Schmidt said.
“His kicking out of hand has been very strong, he’s been taking further kicking responsibilities that we won’t expect from him.
“He’s shown a real turn of foot; I thought in round three against the Brumbies when he rounded them and got into space, but that wasn’t the only time. I think he’s been sharp. He’s very good and very committed in the air.
“And again, some of the stats that sit underneath, while we’re watching every game and every action within the game, and we watch games a number of times, some of his stats about his coverage in a game are exceptional and how hard he works off the ball… that’s the sort of guy we need.
“We need people who are going to work really hard whether they’re on the ball or off the ball.”
Campbell will likely square off against Ireland’s British and Irish Lions fullback Hugo Keenan, who has a similar style of game.
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