Wallabies backline linchpin Christian Lealiifano is hoping to make his second Test against the British and Irish Lions memorable for the right reasons after lasting only 45 seconds on debut.
The first minute loss of inside centre Lealiifano in Brisbane caused a huge disruption to Australia’s backline, although they scrambled to put themselves in a winning position before suffering a two-point loss.
Ahead of the Melbourne Test on Saturday night Lealiifano has shrugged off any effects of the head knock and wants to take over the Wallabies’ crucial goal-kicking duties.
The Brumbies playmaker said he could have returned to the Suncorp Stadium match but failed a tricky test by the medical staff, as part of their protocol in treating players with head injuries.
“I remember most things, the hardest thing was the doctors asking me the score from the Waratahs-Lions game a week before and I struggle to remember that now.
“They quickly ruled me out from going back on.
“I remember watching the boys and soaking up the atmosphere.
“I will still feel the same kinds of nerves this week but will hopefully get more than 45 seconds.”
The loss of Lealiifano meant that the Wallabies weren’t fully able to exploit the talents of powerhouse winger Israel Folau, although he still managed two tries in his Test debut.
The No.12 was set to act as the pivotal backline figure but his absence meant five-eighth James O’Connor struggled to cope under the extra pressure.
Veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper said Lealiifano’s presence gave their backline more potency.
“Christian not only has the capability of ball running but ball playing and that’s really unique for an inside centre,” Ashley-Cooper said.
“It will be nice to get the ball to the likes of Issy and Joey (Tomane) on the edges; there’s a lot of areas to be excited about.
“We have a lot of potency in the backline, we’ve just got to use it.”