In just a few days time, it’ll be Caitlin Gower, not Stephen Moore who will lead the Wallabies onto the pitch at Twickenham in front of 84,000 screaming fans.

No, this isn’t another leadership coup, but rather the opportunity of a lifetime for a 16-year-old self proclaimed rugby nut.

Gower earned the right to be Australia’s official flag bearer for the Wallabies clash against England this weekend after taking out a nation wide competition run by Emirates and has been flown with her family to London for Saturday’s blockbuster clash.

“I think excitement is an understatement in how I feel about this all…It’s all unbelievable at the moment, I don’t think its going to hit me until I get on the plane,” she said.

The Central Coast youngster entered the competition on a whim, writing in 25 words or less why she should fly Emirates to London and represent Australia at the match.

“I wrote about this experience I had during the 2003 Rugby World Cup. I was five years old and I remember visiting my mum in hospital who was holding my newborn brother.”

“On the TV was England playing Australia (2003 RWC final) and I had a little Wallabies jersey that we put on my brother in his first hours of being born… I remember my mum saying ‘I cant believe Johnny Wilkinson kicked that goal for England!”

Caitlin, accompanied by her brother and parents, is now en route to one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

It’s a far cry from their quiet, suburban home on New South Wales’ central coast, but Caitlin and her family are certainly more than ready for the experience to come.

“It’s going to be my first time over there so I’m just excited to see everything and how different it is to where we are on the coast… I’ve been told it’s cold,” she laughed.

“I’m looking forward to going to the game and feeling the whole energy of it all… It’s just a once in a lifetime opportunity, I just don’t want to trip on stage in front of everyone!”

Rugby has been a massive part of the Gower household for as long as Caitlin can remember, and the chance to meet some of her favourite Wallabies has her teeming with nervous energy and excitement.

“I’ve grown up with rugby, like ever since I can remember it’s been rugby… I love Adam Ashley Cooper, I’d love to meet Israel Folau as well, he’s a really good player.”

“I just have to say thank you so much (to Emirates), I appreciate this opportunity and I hope I make everyone proud and I’m so excited and so grateful for this.”