For the centre who has arrived at the Premiership club via Spalding in Lincolnshire, Cambridge and Coventry, this was another step in a pathway from the junior ranks.
Wand, 22, has the daunting task of competing in a big squad which is now under the command of Cheika, the former Wallaby and Argentina coach, who jumped at the chance in the summer to replace fellow Aussie Dan McKellar.
“It’s been tough so far,” admitted Wand about the Cheika regime. “It’s pushed us all to our limits, but you just have to embrace it. It’s going to be a challenge, you just have to work hard.”
Wand partnered Dan Kelly for the first 40 minutes in a match which saw nearly 60 players involved.
Leicester were given a fair work out, especially in the second period, before scoring three late tries to add to a first-half margin of 26-10.
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