ACT Brumbies rookie Jack Whetton is ready to break free from his dad Gary's All Blacks shadow, vowing to unleash a bruising performance in his Super Rugby debut on Saturday to start a new "family legacy" at Canberra Stadium.
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New ZealanderWhetton will be injected into the Brumbies' line-up to play against the Cape Town Stormers as they call on reinforcements for their injury-hit squad.
It's the first step in Whetton's mission to forge his own career after growing up hearing tales of Gary's heroics as a former All Blacks skipper.
Gary played 58 Tests and 180 games for Auckland and uncle Alan also played for the All Blacks. Jack will be the first family member to make his Super Rugby debut.
"Dad wasn't around during Super Rugby ... it would be a nice little family rugby legacy to start other than my father's," Whetton grinned.
"I'm very proud of my family and my heritage. When I was about 10 years old, other kids would say mean things about [having an All Blacks captain as a dad], but that doesn't bother me.
"I'm not running from anything over here. I'm really looking forward to my chance if I get one, and it's an exciting time. We're very honest in my family and if I have a terrible game, dad will definitely let me know about it."
Whetton left New Zealand to take a one-year contract at the Brumbies.
He will get his reward when he's added to the Brumbies' bench to boost the team's chances of winning their fourth match in a row.
"Most of the guys in Canberra don't know anything about my dad ... but [fellow New Zealander] Leon Power started calling me Gary," Whetton said.
"Dad took a step back when I decided to come to Canberra. A fresh start is always good, but I'm not trying to get away from anything."
Coaches Stephen Larkham and Laurie Fisher have been forced to reshuffle the 23-man game day squad as they manage a growing injury toll.
Jean-Pierre Smith will get his first starting cap in the front row to replace Scott Sio while Jordan Smiler will also be added to the starting XV, with Scott Fardy shifting to lock.
Andrew Smith is poised to earn a spot in the back line while Joseph Tomane will replace injured winger Henry Speight.
The Stormers are one of the most physical teams in Super Rugby and bashed the Brumbies in a taxing contest in Cape Town last year.
Whetton believes the injection of new blood and injury-forced changes will boost the Brumbies' energy.
"The Stormers are a tough game and if I do get on I'd like to see what I can do," Whetton said.
"It would be a hell of a debut to get on against some big bruisers like the Stormers have got. But the only way to beat a bruiser is to bruise them. You've got to go in, give 100 per cent and see who wins."
