A likely Lions foe intends to learn from the master ahead of what could be a major season in his development.
Openside flanker Liam Gill featured in all bar one of the Reds’ Super 15 fixtures this season, playing a lead role as the Brisbane-based franchise won the Australian Conference.
The 20-year-old was a standout performer in just his second season of Super Rugby having previously impressed for Australia Sevens and captained his country at Schoolboy level.
Now the Melbourne-born youngster, who spent much of his youth playing American football after moving to the United States, finds himself competing with global superstar David Pocock after being named in Robbie Deans’ training squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
But rather than being daunted by the prospect of fighting for a Wallaby spot against one of the game’s best back rowers, Gill insists he is determined to pick up as many tips as possible as he plots his own path to the top.
"He's set the benchmark and he's arguably the best in the world so you'd be crazy not to try and understand what he does," said Gill.
"It's more excitement to find out you're even considered a part of this set up (the Wallabies training squad).
“It's a big onslaught of information then they throw you in at the deep end and get you out there and do it – it's a good way to learn.
"You just take it on board and learn the hard way and pick up on the vibe of the other blokes and how they go about things."
Although uncapped, another superb season next time out could see Gill force his way even further into the reckoning for a Wallaby spot by the time the Lions come calling next summer.
Dislodging Pocock is highly unlikely at this stage in his career but winning the race to be his back up is a realistic target despite the current form shown by Michael Hooper who will swap the Brumbies for the Waratahs next term.
And even if Gill doesn’t cement a Wallaby squad spot over the next few months, he should still face the Lions when the Reds welcome Britain and Ireland’s elite to Queensland on June 8.
