Eddie Jones will make the mad dash from Sydney to Townsville to see Owen Finegan-clone Harry Wilson and his Queensland Reds teammates press their World Cup cases in the flesh.
The Reds' No.8 will clash with Hurricanes and All Blacks gun flanker Ardie Savea at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the first of two Reds home games in Townsville this season.
And, desperate to be there in person, Jones will watch Sydney's Super Rugby Pacific opener between the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies on Friday before jumping on the next flight north.
Wilson had fallen out of favour under former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, with backrowers Rob Valetini and the versatile Pete Samu used ahead of him.
But his skillful 195cm, 110kg frame has been hard to ignore in the pre-season and in a Reds team missing fellow fringe Wallabies Liam Wright, James O'Connor, Suliasi Vunivalu and Jock Campbell he can make a statement.
"He (Wilson) really imposes himself on the game," Jones told AAP.
"Good No.8s always have the ball in their hands; they dictate the game and that's what we want to see from him."
Like Wilson, Finegan had a knack of scoring tries and none were bigger than his match-winner in the 1999 World Cup final against France.
"He's a good, big tough player; a big No.8 that reminds me a bit of Owen Finegan," Jones said
"Barrel chested, big head, tough player ... he's got a great opportunity and he's gotta play like that every week."
The Reds lost all six games to New Zealand opposition last year and have lost their last 20 games in New Zealand.
But their 2021 win over the Chiefs in Townsville broke a run of 15-straight New Zealand victories against Australian opponents.
Reds coach Brad Thorn has been an advocate for representing the entire state, not just Brisbane.
He has called on the city's support as they counter a side also featuring All Blacks great Owen Franks and dangerous No.12 Jordie Barrett.
"Massive respect for them and they'll be coming here to get the job done as well - it bodes well for a good game and entertaining game," the coach said.
"How good is this surface, how good this stadium.
"Rugby's booming up here and has been for a while and we feel the connection, so come out in droves because we want you to be behind us, we need you behind us."
