Blyth out to seize the “surprise” Wallabies’ opportunity with both hands

Towering Queenslander Angus Blyth may not have expected to be called up in 2024, but he’ll be damned if he doesn’t give Camp Wallaby everything he’s got.

The 203cm lock has played just five Super Rugby Pacific games this season after a long-term ankle injury and was expected to pull on the boots in the Queensland Hospital Cup before Joe Schmidt came knocking.

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“After a tough year this year, it wasn’t even really on my radar,” Blyth said of making the national team.

“I was just trying to get my body right for the race at the weekend. I told my partner straight away, she was over the moon, and then told mum and dad. Told all my friends at TSS (The Southport School) as well as Bond (Uni) rugby club, which was great.”

Blyth, 26, is one of 13 uncapped players at Camp Wallaby this week, including fellow Queensland forwards Ryan Smith, Alex Hodgman and Josh Nasser who took part in the satellite camps in Ballymore last week.

Whether that changes next week in Australia’s first July Series Test against Wales is another matter as Blyth is determined to make his mark on the Gold List.

“I had no expectations when I started there (train-on-team), just put my best foot forward and put that tough year behind me… but I’m not happy to be here. I’m here to work so hard to train when I can, to play or to make the team better,” Blyth said.

“I’m obviously quite a big boy so I’ve got that size factor… and guys like Guppy and Smithy are tough players. They’ve both had great years this year so it’s great to see Joe and the selectors choosing on basics of form in Super Rugby.”

At 115kg, Blyth’s confrontational style and sharp line-out could prove interesting for Schmidt against a plus-sized Welsh pack, with Will Skelton (overseas) ineligible for July’s Test series.

Blyth’s leadership qualities could also play a role after he led a Reds Development XV and post-season Japan tour last year.

It’s a growing combination of seniority and size that looks eerily similar to the men Blyth also credits with much of his career: Brad Thorn and James Horwill.

“(Brad Thorn) has been a big influence on me and a lot of other guys…he messaged me after he was part of the first train-on squad and also the July squad.”, Blyth said.

“It’s obviously helped that I’m in the same position as him… but he’s strong, he’s a hard man and that’s what I’ve tried to focus my game on.

“As far as idols go, when I grew up watching James Horwill – ‘Big Kev’ – he was probably my idol.

“He had a similar playing style that I like and base my game around. He’s also a great leader. I’d say he’s one of the better locks to base your game around.”