ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham says dynamic fullback Tom Wright is looking “exceptionally good” ahead of his return from knee surgery.
The Wallabies star went down in the opening minutes of the Rugby Championship defeat to the Springboks in Cape Town eight months ago and has been sidelined since.
But Wright was named for Saturday’s match against the Fijian Drua in Canberra as he works his way back with an eye on Australia’s first Test of the year against Ireland in Sydney on 4 July.
“It’s been a fairly long process for Wrighty after picking up the injury, but he’s a little bit ahead of schedule, been training with us for over a month and has looked exceptionally good out there on the field,” Larkham said.
LARKHAM: Super Rugby could be stronger
Meanwhile, NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar says he “feels” for doomed Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika but their plight will not impact his game plan for their clash on Friday.
New Zealand-based Moana said on Wednesday it was no longer financially viable and would fold at the end of the season unless new owners are found.
McKellar said he was not worried about the Waratahs bearing the brunt of a team with a point to prove in Sydney.
“I feel for the players and the coaches and the staff there,” he said. “That would be tough, a team that’s worked really hard to build a pretty significant culture within their group and the people that they represent.
“But our focus is just getting our own stuff right and getting our own ship in order. So no, there’s been zero chat amongst the group around Pasifika and their unfortunate situation.”
Moana have struggled on and off the field, losing seven from eight this season, but have a good record against the Waratahs, winning their last three.
The match will be played in front of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle who are being hosted by Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh.
– AFP
Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
