Being compared to a Wallabies great could be overwhelming for a 22-year-old with five Super Rugby caps, but Brumbies youngster Tom Banks is taking the compliment in Chris Latham-like stride.
Banks offered some attacking spark in Sunday's 18-12 defeat to the Blues in his first start at fullback since arriving in the off-season.
He made a strong case to retain the No.15 jersey which Latham wore for the Queensland Reds - Banks's former club - and in 57 of his 78 Tests.
"I guess we have a similar sort of running style," Banks said.
"He was an awesome player. If I can do half of the sort of things he did it would be a good achievement."
In his first Brumbies appearance in his preferred position, Banks was responsible for two of the team's three line breaks, but bungled a pass to an unmarked Henry Speight who was in a tryscoring position.
It was one of a number of small errors that resulted in the Blues keeping the Brumbies tryless.
"There was a few good things but there's also a lot to work on," Banks said of his performance.
"Reviewing the tape there were a lot of things I can look to improve in attack and defence."
Aidan Toua came on for the final 17 minutes, with Banks shifting to the wing where he has made his other two appearances for the Brumbies.
He accepts it will be hard to usurp Toua as the starting fullback.
"We'll see how (coach) Bernie (Stephen Larkham) sees it, but obviously I'll do everything to back up Aidan," Banks said.
"I'm just looking to learn off him each and every week."
The Brumbies head into the bye after three consecutive defeats but, despite the run of losses, Banks insists the belief within the group hasn't diminished.
"The confidence is still there with everyone," Banks said.
"We want everyone to play with energy and bring our type of attacking style."
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