Jock Campbell eyes Wallabies recall after rediscovering pace that had him worried

Queensland Reds fullback Jock Campbell has rediscovered the pace he feared age had stripped from him, positioning himself for a potential Wallabies recall ahead of Australia’s three-Test home series against Ireland, France and Italy in July.

Campbell, who turned 31 in May, admitted he had genuine doubts about his physical decline after hamstring and back problems slowed his off-season preparation. “There were a couple of years there, I kind of thought I was losing it because I was getting old,” he told AAP. “I have got faster, and when you feel it coming back, it’s a snowball of confidence.”

The fullback’s last Test appearances came on Australia’s 2022 European tour under Dave Rennie, where he started against France — scoring a try and setting up a remarkable full-field effort from Lalakai Foketi — before the Wallabies fell 30-29. He also started against Italy despite a midweek illness and came off the bench in a comeback win over Wales. Rennie’s sacking after that tour, and the upheaval that followed Eddie Jones’ arrival, pushed Campbell down the depth charts.

“It was a hell of an experience and a bit of a whirlwind 24 months for all players really, not just me,” he said. “But it gave others opportunity … bad for some, good for others, and that’s just sport.”

The door has reopened partly through misfortune elsewhere. Brumbies fullback Tom Wright, who had been in outstanding form before suffering a long-term knee injury on Wallabies duty last year, has yet to fully recapture his best since returning. With no clear incumbent, Campbell’s consistent Super Rugby Pacific form has brought him back into the national conversation — a fact he has been unable to avoid, courtesy of his family.

“I try not to read too much, but my grandma might have flicked some articles on to me; they’re big fans of mine,” he said. “But I’d back my ability if I ever get a chance again, and Joe [Schmidt] is a good communicator, to be fair.”

Reds coach Les Kiss, who is set to take over from Schmidt following the July Tests, highlighted Campbell’s improved defensive work as evidence of a more complete player. “He turns little moments into something,” Kiss said.

Before any Wallabies ambitions can be realised, Campbell must first help the Reds navigate a Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday. Australian sides have lost all 21 Super Rugby finals played on New Zealand soil, with the Reds falling short there in each of the past four seasons.

“We haven’t got over that hump, and if we didn’t again it would feel a bit empty,” Campbell said. “It’s all about actions; we’ve just got to go and do it — and a few times if we want to go further, not just once.”