Matthew Watkins has waited two long years for the chance to start a major Test match for Wales and after being named at outside centre for Saturday's clash with Australia he declared: ``My time has come''.
Wales boss Mike Ruddock has kept changes to a minimum ahead of his side's final appointment of a tough autumn campaign, with Watkins slotting into midfield and captain Gareth Thomas reverting to his preferred position at full-back.
Watkins had not been involved with Wales for two years before Ruddock called him on the summer tour to North America and his only Test starts have come against Romania in 2003 and Fiji 12 days ago.
But after making a considerable impact against the Pacific Islanders and catching the eye as a replacement during the 33-16 defeat to South Africa last weekend, Ruddock now believes the fleet-footed Llanelli centre is ready.
``We wanted to get a good look at Matthew from the start of a high level international ahead of the coming Six Nations defence,'' said Ruddock.
``Matthew has shown when he comes onto the field he has pace and great footwork. I think he deserves his opportunity.''
But it has been a long time coming. Watkins made his Test debut off the bench against Italy in 2003 and won seven caps that year, six of them as a replacement.
There is no doubt his opportunity to start against the Wallabies has arisen because of injuries - Tom Shanklin and Gavin Henson are amongst six Lions missing for Wales - while Ruddock feels Thomas is best suited to playing full-back.
But Watkins is determined to lay down a marker at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, when he links up in midfield with Sonny Parker, and make it tough for the big-name absentees to reclaim the jersey.
``It is always a dream of mine to play in the big games for Wales. It is a big thrill to be part of the squad and I just can't wait for Saturday,'' he said.
``I have been disappointed on a few occasions over the last few years not to be involved. It was a case of getting my head and hoping your time would come.
``Llanelli have started to play better this year and you show up a little bit more. This is my time to take the opportunity.''
Watkins' inclusion means his Scarlets team-mate Lee Byrne slips onto the bench while Ceri Sweeney, a try-scoring replacement against South Africa last week, is kept back as Wales' new super-sub.
``The rationale for selection was to minimise the changes this week and build on the performance against South Africa,'' said Ruddock.
``Lee Byrne has done absolutely brilliantly and has not let us down. But we decided to sacrifice the left-booted kicking option offered by Lee in favour of playing Alfie in his preferred position and giving Matthew Watkins his chance at centre.
``We felt we needed as much experience as possible in the back line and have opted for Matthew and Sonny Parker as the centre pairing.
``Ceri has been able to make such a positive impact from the bench that we want to try to keep that weapon in our armoury.''
The other notable selection was Ruddock's decision to stick by prop Chris Horsman, who was warned over his future conduct after being sin-binned for punching at a crucial time in last week's defeat.
Ruddock considered dropping the Worcester prop but will instead demand another performance like that he turned in against South Africa, who were put under great pressure at scrum time.
``There was a period of reflection as to whether or not I would select Chris. But he has taken on board what we talked about,'' said Ruddock.
``He has put his hand up, he is a very honest guy. He realises he has to hold his discipline. It is water under the bridge.''
Ruddock, however, does not buy into the idea Wales should attempt to demolish Australia's scrum in the same way as England did a fortnight ago.
``It has been suggested that their scrum should be targeted. But after looking at the video of their game against Ireland last week they seem to be much improved in that area - to the extent that they were quite exceptional against Ireland,'' said Ruddock.
``The Wallabies will start as favourites after an impressive win over Ireland. we have not beaten them for 18 years and have not won at home against an Australian side since 1981 - but this is the final throw of the dice for us before the defence of our Grand Slam crown so we are looking for a positive result.
``We started poorly this series and were disappointed with our showing against New Zealand. But in the two games since we feel we have made progress and we now need to move forward again in order to get the result we want and finish the series on a high.''
The decision for Wales to wear their black 125th anniversary jersey instead of the traditional red has met with controversy.
But Thomas insisted: ``The shirt symbolises the country and this is a special occasion. The colour doesn't matter, it's the three feathers we play for.''