Broken leg in March, star turn on Test debut in October.
Unheralded Brumbies hooker Connal McInerney completed one of the great rugby feelgood stories in Oita today, scoring the late match-sealing try in Australia’s 32-23 victory over Japan.
The 26-year-old broke his fibula during a clash with the Rebels seven months ago and was a surprise selection in the Wallabies spring tour squad.
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But coach Dave Rennie’s faith was repaid handsomely after trusting McInerney to make his Test debut from the bench as Japan were threatening another famous upset.
McInerney hit his lineout target then got on the back of a Dan McKellar special, to fall over the try-line from a hooker’s best friend – a rolling maul.
His post-match interview with Stan Sport reflected his reputation as one of the game’s genuine good men.
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“I was pretty rattled coming on, the game was in the balance there, it could have gone either way,” McInerney said.
“Thank god it went that way, eh? I was just so nervous all week. When the game was in the balance I wasn’t sure if I’d get on or not and luckily snagged a little nine, 10 minutes.
“It was quick, so quick. It’s unbelievable. I mean I could throw out some clichés – a dream come true, obviously something that I’ve worked for since I came into the Brumbies.
“But never thought I’d achieve it mate. It’s actually surreal and to do it here in Japan, Oita, lost for words.”
McInerney said his phone call would be to his partner, who had been more excited than him in the buildup to his big day.
Dad was also on the list.
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“But it’s pretty hard – he only just got a smartphone,” McInerney quipped.
McInerney said front row colleague James Slipper had been reminding him of his own try-scoring heroics in Oita while waiting for his boarding pass.
“He was telling me before I got on, on the bench there,” McInerney said.
“Said ‘mate, that’s my corner there, that’s my corner.’ It took him 94 games (to score his first Test try) so just lucky to do it in one I guess.
“I don’t want to take away from the effort from all eight guys like Darce (Swain).
“It was actually a bit of a re-call there (in the lineout) and he pulled to the right space – it just opened up for me mate. It was all the set up.”
McInerney said selection day had been an intense experience.
“I’m just glad I held it together there (in the team meeting room). I had a good cry when I got back to my room, when I was out of the way of the camera. When I put my head in my hands I realised they might be filming so I had to pull it together pretty quick.”
Former Wallabies lock Justin Harrison can relate.
“One of the things you do when you get your Test jersey is have an out of body experience,” Harrison said on Stan Sport after chatting with McInerney.
“You pretty much think my god, I’ve got the weight of the nation on me. And then the day goes so quickly. So it’s great that Connal is reflecting on key moments there.
“You won’t forget a try on debut ever.”
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Former Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell said McInerney would be given the honour of leading the national anthem during the victory celebrations.
“Belting that out once he’s presented his Test cap,” Mitchell said.
“They’re the memories that stick with you for a long time.