Reds flanker Fraser McReight admitted there was plenty of tension amongst the squad during the first day in the Wallabies camp last month.
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The Queensland man was named in Eddie Jones’ first Australia squad that met on the Gold Coast in April.
First day of school
McReight revealed there was a great deal of ‘anxiety’ in the ranks, likening it to a first day at school.
However, the in-form back-row was delighted to see where the veteran coach wants to take the team and feels the approach suits him personally.
“It was like first day of school; a lot of anxiety in the whole room,” McReight told AAP.
“It was just cool to see what he actually wanted to do with the team and how he’d take us forward.
“I like the way he wants to play … running the ball and working hard to get the ball back.
“It suits the Wallabies and personally suits me.”
Meanwhile, in Super Rugby Pacific, McReight’s Reds have finally found some form after a poor start to the season, winning their last two games.
The upturn in fortunes is timely with an intriguing clash against the Waratahs in Townsville awaiting this weekend.
“We’ve found something, especially in our attack, that’s coming along really nicely,” he said.
“And it’s always an easy game to get up for (against the Waratahs).”
A brilliant battle loading
What comes with the Waratahs clash is a head-to-head between McReight and Wallaby great Michael Hooper who will both be battling for the same jersey in Australian gold.
McReight is looking forward to the battle and insists that he can learn a lot from the veteran.
“People will call it what they want to call it,” he said. “It’s a great battle; I love locking horns with him.
“I’m sure we’ll be right in amongst it, getting involved heavily and have a few wrestles.
“I can take some awesome things from him and who knows, maybe he can watch and learn from me.”