Australia missed some wizardry in their backline in their defeat to Scotland despite handing winger Harry Potter his debut.
The English-born back became Wallaby No. 989 in Edinburgh on Sunday – the city where JK Rowling created his famous namesake.
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Potter is the 18th different player to be sorted into House Wallaby this year after being thrust into Murrayfield’s Goblet of Fire.
The 26-year-old, who was typically given the nickname “Wizard” by a teammate, was born in Wimbledon in December 1997.
That is six months after Rowling published ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ – the first of seven books in the series.
However, it was Potter who set his own Triwizard challenge for the rugby media after being named in Australia’s European tour.
“It’s a good challenge for journalists to see if they can think of a unique or original Harry Potter pun,” Potter said.
“It’s been 26 years of it, so it’s pretty funny, I reckon. And yeah, tip my hat if you think of something original.”
Potter moved from London to Australia at 10 years old and earned a professional contract with hometown club, the Melbourne Rebels.
He returned to Egland to link-up with former Sydney Uni coach Rob Taylor at Leicester Tigers for three seasons.
Potter even helped them claim a premiership under now-England boss Steve Borthwick, but never had a conflict of loyalties.
“I was [in Australia] for school,” he added.
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“I watched the Wallabies play from Year 7 right up until now and I heartily feel like I was here for a more influential part of my life.
“I’m speaking with a more Aussie than English accent, which doesn’t make you feel too English to be honest.
“It’s a pleasure to be with the Wallabies and certainly I feel very Australian.”
Potter was one of six changes to the team that beat Wales 52-20 and his debut fittingly came in Edinburgh.
However, he failed to deliver a magical performance as Scotland ran out 27-13 winners.
Australia were hoping to secure a clean sweep of the rugby nations in Britain and Ireland on the 40th anniversary of their 1984 Grand Slam – which was the last time they achieved such a triumph.
The Aussies beat England 42-37 at Twickenham prior to trouncing Wales, but a loss to Scotland have stopped a repeat in its tracks ahead of a trip to Dublin next.
