Monty Ioane, nephew of former Wallaby Digby, lines up for Italy against Australia in Test

The nephew of former Wallabies winger Digby Ioane will put on the shoes on Saturday night, but for the opponent Test nation.

Monty Ioane will line up for Italy as his compatriot tries to beat Australia, delivering the Wallabies a second consecutive defeat on tour.

Monty has played 15 caps for Italy and will face his uncle’s former team for the first time in his career.

Monty Ioane makes a break during a clash against Wales in March as Italy’s representative in the Six Nations

Digby Ioane broke his contract with the Queensland Reds in 2013, leaving his final year in Super Rugby.

Ioane argued that he was withheld from third party payments once promised by the club where he had built a successful career alongside stars Quade Cooper and Will Genia.

Digby Ioane performs his signature ‘Turtle’ dance after scoring a try while playing for the Reds in the club’s golden era

The backflipping flyer fled to France on a huge two-year contract with French glamor club Stade Francais, taking Monty for the ride.

Monty, a left winger, will join the Melbourne Rebels next season for the Super Rugby season.

The Italy international says it was difficult to settle in France but is grateful that his superstar made the decision for him.

‘We left and went to France. It was a bit of a difficult two years for myself,” the 28-year-old said.

Monty Ioane blasts past Gloucester defenses while playing for Benetton in the EPCR Challenge Cup last year

His path to an Italian jersey was not an easy one, he moved between New Zealand, Italy and France to keep his professional career alive.

“There was a lot of pressure on me to try and live up to my uncle’s hype,” Ioane said.

“He was a Wallabies star. That’s why I went to Italy, to get away and make a name for myself.

“Man, it was tough. Even now people compare us. It goes in one ear, out the other. I don’t want to be compared to what he did. It’s nice to be here and to be my own person.’

Monty Ioane (second from left) partying on a night out with superstar Uncle Digby (center) during his Wallabies days

Monty took the international stage by storm when he made his Six Nations tournament debut in 2020.

The 95kg speedster played against Samoa a week ago, scoring two tries and carrying 119 meters in a 49-17 thump.

Ioane also knows the Wallabies squad well, having grown up with Pete Samu and Lalakai Foketi.

Ioane (second from right) with Uncle Digby (left) – the two stay close to their younger days, where the Wallabies star looked after his cousin

He was also coached by Wallabies coach Dave Rennie and said he has to be in his best shape to break history.

The Wallabies have never been beaten by Italy and present a new captain in Allan Alaalatoa to lead a young squad.