He runs like Chris Latham, scores tries like Chris Latham and even played for Queensland like Chris Latham. Everything Tom Banks does suggests he's a Latham clone, evoking memories of a Wallabies try-scoring great.
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But Latham has a simple message for Test rookie Banks before his international debut on Saturday: "Be your own man".
Banks will be thrown into the Eden Park cauldron when the electric ACT Brumbies fullback takes his place on the Wallabies bench for a clash against New Zealand.
His moment will likely come in the second half when the game is on the line and the Wallabies fight to avoid another Bledisloe Cup disaster at a venue where they haven't won since 1986.
And Latham, the second highest try-scorer in Wallabies history, says what Banks offers is exactly what the Wallabies will be craving.
"To be honest, I was always compared to other people and I just wanted to be me. I'm sure [Banks] is no different. He's an exciting player, an unpredictable player and that's what's required," Latham said.
"Coaches say Test-match rugby is about a very rigid, structured game and limiting mistakes to win. For me, the game was all about having that unpredictability.
"With defences being so good and the analysis teams do, the best teams in the world have three, four or five players with unpredictability about them.
"Unfortunately, I feel that's been missing from the Australian side for quite some time.
"You know there might be mistakes, but it's about how you clean them up and having the maturity to know when the best time is to try things. At the end of the day, everyone has written off the Wallabies.
"There really is nothing to lose, so nothing for [Banks] to worry about. Hopefully he gets some good time."
Banks burst into the Brumbies team last year and sent rival coaches scrambling for intel on the lightning quick man in the No. 15 jersey.
All Blacks great and Auckland Blues coach Tana Umaga even had a case of Hollywood mistaken identity after playing the Brumbies, think Banks' name was Tom Hanks.
But Banks' impressive form for the Brumbies, particularly at the end of the year, will mean the All Blacks have plenty of information on the pint-sized 24-year-old.
Banks scored nine tries this season. His brilliant form and six tries in the last six games put him in Wallabies contention. The catalyst for Banks' form? A no-fear attitude.
"He had a bit of a hiccup at the start of the year where he was out of [the Brumbies] starting XV, but he handled it well," said ACT coach Dan McKellar.
"There are certainly similarities [to Latham], Chris had that genuine speed that you just can't coach. Their running style, physically they're pretty similar and Chris loved to be in the game, Tom is the same.
"[Banks] is thriving at the moment, I think he will come on [against New Zealand] and have real impact in the last period of the game. He'll be able to create a bit of havoc with their defence.
"Our [coaching] message changed, it became about not fearing failure, backing your skill and take opportunities if you see them. When Tommy has that licence to play, he thrives. It was like taking the shackles off."
The Wallabies will be desperate to make amends for a first Test debacle against New Zealand, with coach Michael Cheika calling on reinforcements for the battle in Auckland.
Banks will sit alongside Brumbies teammate Folau Faingaa, who will also be making his debut, while ACT props Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa have been added to the starting XV to stabilise the scrum.
BLEDISLOE CUP
Saturday: Wallabies v New Zealand at Eden Park, 5.35pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports and Ten.
Wallabies: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Adam Coleman, 6. Lukhan Tui, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. David Pocock, 9. Will Genia, 10. Bernard Foley, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Kurtley Beale, 13. Reece Hodge, 14. Jack Maddocks, 15. Dane Haylett-Petty. Reserves: 16. Folau Faingaa, 17. Tom Robertson, 18. Sekope Kepu, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Matt Toomua, 23. Tom Banks.
New Zealand: 15. Jordie Barrett, 14. Ben Smith, 13. Jack Goodhue, 12. Ngani Laumape, 11. Waisake Naholo, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. Aaron Smith, 8. Kieran Read (c), 7. Sam Cane, 6. Liam Squire, 5. Sam Whitelock, 4. Brodie Retallick, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Codie Taylor, 1. Joe Moody. Reserves: 16. Nathan Harris, 17. Karl Tu'inukuafe, 18. Ofa Tuungafasi, 19. Scott Barrett, 20. Ardie Savea, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Damian McKenzie, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown.
