Western Force’s scrumhalf Issak Fines-Leleiwasa will have the chance to put his name up in lights at the Rugby World Cup after his shock selection in Eddie Jones's squad.
While Tate McDermott and Nic White were virtual certainties to feature in France, Fines-Leleiwasa edged out Ryan Lonergan as the squad's third halfback despite not having played a single test.
He debuted in the Wallabies’ tough 41-17 defeat against World Cup hosts France but the dreadlocked 27-year-old soaked up every moment of the warm-up, helping set up a try for winger Suliasi Vunivalu.
Australia have lost all five tests under Jones this year in his second stint in charge, and the Will Skelton-captained squad head into their Pool C opener against Georgia with fans' expectations near rock bottom.
Fines-Leleiwasa, who struggled for years to break into professional rugby in Australia before landing at Western Force, hopes to play a meaningful role under veteran Nic White and Tate McDermott, who has been thrust into a leadership role by Jones.
Fines-Leleiwasa says he is learning from two great players along the way and it is a huge privilege to get that confidence from the coaching staff.
He says he is really enjoying his time and will do his best to repay the faith.
Fines-Leleiwasa was one of the seven players with links to Fiji who was selected into the Wallabies’ RWC squad.
The Wallabies will take on Georgia at 4am this Sunday in Paris.
They will play the Fiji Water Flying Fijians on the 18th of September at 3.45am.
The RWC kicks off this Saturday with host France taking on the All Blacks at 7.15am in Paris.
You can check out all the Rugby World Cup stories, interviews, photos, videos and schedules on our website, fijivillage.
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