'Childhood dream' realised as Nasser soaks in Test debut

Sun, Jul 14, 2024, 4:18 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Wallabies v Wales Highlights | Second Test | 2024

Latest Wallaby debutant Josh Nasser was left to soak in a memorable first Test after Australia's victory over Wales in Melbourne.

Nasser came on for the final 20 minutes of the eight-point win with the game in the balance.

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The 25-year-old held his nerve at set-piece time as the Wallabies finishers closed out the victory.

"It's unreal. A childhood dream of mine and of any young Australian boy and to fulfil that dream tonight was awesome," Nasser said after the match.

"(The nerves) were bubbling away but we've had a few weeks prep leading into this game so I felt pretty good when I went onto the field.

"I knew my role and just tried to execute."

Wales coach Warren Gatland believed the difference late was the 'street wise' nature of the Wallabies' bench, pointing to their experience in quarter and semi-finals at Super level.

Players such as Allan Alaalatoa and Nic White are seasoned Test veterans but the likes of Nasser, Angus Blyth and Ben Donaldson have crucial Super Rugby experience that proved valuable at the end of the game.

"We've all had pretty big Super Rugby seasons," Nasser noted.

"It's obviously a pretty competitive competition that puts us in good stead for Test match Rugby.

"Physically, we back ourselves to come in and perform at this level."

The Wallabies will look to keep rolling against Georgia, coming off a surprise win over Eddie Jones' Japan.

"We know the threat Georgia poses next week," Nasser added.

"They're going to be a big, physical side, especially up front so we'll do our preparation this week and hopefully be in good stead for the game."

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