Tom Banks is preparing a two-prong attack to relaunch his international career, saying he'll play anywhere to earn a Wallabies jersey.
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The ACT Brumbies flyer has been training at both fullback and wing in Christchurch, where Dave Rennie's squad is preparing for its Bledisloe Cup campaign.
There's no shortage of talent in either position, with Banks jostling with the likes of 37-Test Wallaby Dane Haylett-Petty and Jack Maddocks for the No.15 jersey.
Banks has his sights set on a Wallabies recall for Sunday's series opener against the All Blacks in Wellington. And if earning his seventh Test cap means shifting across the backline, he's ready to do so.
"I'd be happy to play anywhere but I'd prefer to play fullback and that's where I've been training. I'd be happy to play anywhere I need to be," Banks said.
"It's a really competitive environment and that's no different to the back three, there's exceptional talents especially on the wing and at fullback.
"Dane [Haylett-Petty] and Jack [Maddocks] have been training really well. It's tough but the competitive environment is what you want. Positions are going to be hard to get, but that's why everyone is training hard."
Banks was left out of Michael Cheika's World Cup squad last year, despite travelling to Japan with the team before the tournament began.
The 26-year-old fullback has not played a Test since August 2019 and is determined to make up for lost time, eager to impress Rennie and his assist Scott Wisemantel.
"It was pretty tough to miss out on that but my goal is to get back into a position to make the squad firstly, then put my hand up for Test selection," Banks said.
"I'm doing everything I can, training hard and definitely trying to impress them for selection for the first Test."
Intrigue surrounds the selection of Rennie's first match-day squad, with 16 uncapped rookies in the mix for Sunday's clash.
Banks, who is one of 13 players with less than 10 caps, has been impressed by the new additions so far - particularly Brumbies teammate Noah Lolesio.
"I know I've played with him but Noah has really stood up and a few of the younger forwards have really impressed me," Banks said.
"Everyone is training really hard, it's a competitive environment which is what you want for Test footy. Everyone is taking a step up, we simply need to attach when it comes to games."
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
