The no-nonsense lock is more of a head down, get the job done kind of guy.
Still, the ex-Crusader is allowing himself to get just a little buzzed before he finally makes his Highlanders debut against the Force tonight after a long spell out with an Achilles injury.
"It’s obviously pretty exciting," Dunshea said.
"It’s been a long start to the season, watching, so I’m excited to get out there and have a crack.
"The Achilles is all good now. I’ve had a couple of club games on it and got a bit of confidence."
Dunshea, 28, said he was not much of a watcher of rugby and was aching to be on the field with his new team right from the start of preseason.
His career was humming at the Crusaders — back when they were the powerhouses of Super Rugby — before he had a couple of injury issues.
Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody offered the carrot of a fresh start.
"It was the opportunity. Talking to Derms, it was the opportunity to come down here and potentially have a crack at that starting locking spot.
"I’ve really enjoyed it so far. The group is good, the coaches are great, and the people down here are really welcoming. It’s been pretty easy to fit in."
The Highlanders have had a rotating cast at lock thanks to injuries and form, and there will be a sixth different second-row combination in just nine games tonight.
Dunshea is eager to get alongside young buck Fabian Holland, whom he labelled "Port" — presumably making Dunshea "Starboard".
"From what I’ve seen, he’s a really hard worker, and gives it 100% every week."
Dunshea will have his hands full tonight as classy Wallabies lock Izack Rodda makes his first start of the season after making his return from injury in last week’s big win over the Crusaders.
Rodda and Carter form a fine second row, while former Maori All Blacks loosie Reed Prinsep and tackle machine Carlo Tizzano will present a challenge for the Highlanders attackers.
Veteran halfback Nic White and Ben Donaldson will look to establish control for the visitors so the promising Sam Spink and the ageless Kurtley Beale can get some room to move.
The Force won this clash 30-17 a year ago and will be seeking back-to-back wins over the Highlanders for the first time in a decade.
Generally, the Western Australians do not travel well — they have lost their past 12 Super Rugby road games, conceding a shocking 42 points per game across that span.
But they are confident, and the Highlanders are not. There is no guarantee of success for the home side tonight.
- The Highlanders revealed two more injuries yesterday.
Regular winger Jona Nareki has a hamstring complaint, and midfielder Matt Whaanga has a shoulder sprain. Both are expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks.
Super Rugby
FBS, 7.05pm
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele’a, Jake Te Hiwi, Connor Garden-Bachop, Rhys Patchell, Folau Fakatava, Billy Harmon (captain), Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Hugh Renton, James Arscott, Cameron Millar, Martin Bogado.
Force: Kurtley Beale, Bayley Kuenzle, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Chase Tiatia, Ben Donaldson, Nic White (captain), Reed Prinsep, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Izack Rodda, Sam Carter, Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Marley Pearce. Reserves: Feleti Kaitu’u, Josh Bartlett, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Henry O’Donnell.
