Jock Campbell to end 1,316 Wallaby exile in Ireland clash

Jock Campbell last played for Australia in a 2022 Test against Wales. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

He might not have a home for next season yet, but Jock Campbell’s 1,316 day Test exile is over.

In a selection bombshell, the off-contract Queensland Reds fullback will wear the No.15 jersey against Ireland for Saturday’s sold out clash in Sydney.

When he runs out, he will play his fifth international cap and first since taking on Wales in Dave Rennie’s last Test in charge of the Wallabies on November 26, 2022.

While it was thought that Max Jorgensen would shift from the wing to fullback, with Tom Wright selected on the bench, the Irish Examiner revealed on Wednesday that Campbell had been given first crack by Joe Schmidt for the Nations Championship clash.

Schmidt will confirm the Wallabies’ team on Thursday.

Campbell’s selection comes after his best season yet in Super Rugby.

With his future up in the air – Campbell has been offered a modest contract to stay with the Reds, but is yet to put pen to paper – the 31-year-old was named in Super Rugby’s team of the year.

A silky fullback, Campbell surprised many this year with his turn of pace and ability to come up with the big play at the right time.

He first reemerged on the selectors’ radar in March when he came up with a linebreak on his own line against the Brumbies in the final seconds, which sealed a stunning comeback in Canberra.

Then he broke Moana Pasifika’s hearts in the penultimate game of the season as he scored in the last minute to seal an important victory in New Zealand.

“He’s had a really good season,” Schmidt said when he announced his wider squad late last month. 

“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.” 

He added that Campbell’s work-rate was off the charts.

“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 described his return to the wider squad last month as a “first-day-of-school type of vibe”.

After receiving the dreaded phone call countless times in recent years, which usually comes with bad news from the national coach, Campbell said he was chuffed to be back in the mix after receiving the email confirming he had been chosen.

“I had the phone down and was praying it didn’t ring,” he said.

It never did.

“I’ve been out for a while, so it was nice to get the email and not get shot, as we call it these days,” he said.

“It was a good moment for my family, my parents, who always supported me a lot over the past four years.” 

Now he’s going to play in front of more than 40,000 at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Campbell said he never gave up hope that his days in gold were over.

“Never beyond reach,” he said.

“Joe’s a good communicator, always gave good feedback.

“I love footy, so it wasn’t hard to keep turning up at the Reds – it’s not like it’s a burden to play footy, I love my job and it’s a bonus I’m here.” 

Having been recalled to the Wallabies, Campbell was asked whether he dared to dream about featuring in next year’s World Cup.

“Of course. A rugby World Cup year at home, as a kid you dream of stuff like that,” he said.

“But obviously there’s a long way to go, starting with the three weeks now.

“As much as that’s a dream, I’ve got to focus on what’s coming up now and these three games.” 

Meanwhile, as reported on Wednesday, Ryan Lonergan and Carter Gordon will form a new halves pairing, with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to continue their midfield partnership.

Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham are poised to form the second-row pairing, with Harry Wilson spearheading the back-row.

Josh Nasser is also set to start at hooker, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa to provide cover from the bench.

There will be one new face on the bench, with Lachie Shaw – the excellent Brumbies lock – expected to be called up for the first time and join Exeter’s Tom Hooper on the bench.