Ask Karmichael Hunt about the last time a young Kiwi did that. Actually, maybe don't ask Karmichael. Suffice to say he probably wouldn't remember too much about that game thanks to Frank Pritchard's left shoulder.
Tamou's selection by the Kangaroos has divided opinions all week, even though there is no debate about his eligibility under international rules. Tamou has been an Australian resident for more than three years, and has not played a senior Test for any country, so the decision lies solely in his hands. Nevertheless, the debate has centred on whether Tamou, who still speaks with a thick Kiwi accent, should be handed a Kangaroo jumper at the expense of other born and bred Australian players.
Either way, the decision has clearly riled the Kiwis who will be sure to lay out the welcome mat at Eden Park tonight. The young man though, is taking it all in his stride. Earlier this week he said "I'm happy to take it on. When I made this decision, I knew there would be a bit of backlash, and the Kiwi team would be the first people to let me know about it, so I'm expecting it. I know I've made the right decision to pull on the green and gold."
Nine players remain from the Kangaroos side that beat the Kiwis 20-10 in last year's Anzac Test. Cameron Smith replaces Darren Lockyer as captain while Johnathan Thurston will wear his No.6 jersey. The seemingly super human Paul Gallen will partner David Shillington at prop, allowing Rabbitohs dynamo Dave Taylor to start in the second row.
New Zealand will blood three rookies, with Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson, Broncos fullback Josh Hoffman and Storm prop Jesse Bromwich all in line to make their international debuts.
The Kiwis will be hoping to improve on their abysmal one off Test record in front of what is sure to be a parochial home crowd baying for Australian and in Tamou's case, New Zealand blood. Let's hope James remembers to bring those extra shoulder pads.
Adam Schoenmaker is a high school chaplain in the northern suburbs of Brisbane for three days each week and serves two days a week in his local church. Adam loves a good book, a classic album and all Queensland sporting teams.
Adam Schoenmaker archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/adam-schoenmaker.html