Mark Gerrard’s international exile appears to be over, with the 28-year-old slated to start at fullback ahead of Kurtley Beale in Australia’s season-opening rugby Test against Samoa on Sunday.
Gerrard, whose last Test came almost four years ago when a serious knee injury put an end to his 2007 World Cup campaign, played as the side’s first-choice fullback on Tuesday in their opposed training session.
Australia will name their squad for the clash with Samoa on Wednesday and Gerrard is tipped to earn a starting spot ahead of Beale, who trained but has nursed a knee injury in the Super Rugby season.
It would mark a stunning turnaround for Gerrard, who this time last year, was playing in Japan for second-division club NTT Communications.
Gerrard’s recall comes after a stellar season with the Melbourne Rebels, which followed his move to Japan in 2009.
“I am very glad I have made the decision to come back. I feel like a kid again going to school for the first time,” Gerrard said after being named in the Wallabies’ 40-man squad.
The Rebels are likely to supply the side’s two main talking points, with Nick Phipps – who last year was playing third grade rugby for the University of Sydney – set to debut at halfback ahead of Will Genia.
Wallabies’ coach Robbie Deans said in the lead-up to the Super Rugby final he would look at resting some of Queensland’s players for the Samoa clash, depending on their workload.
Deans appears to be acting on his word, with Genia, Quade Cooper, James Horwill, Scott Higginbotham and the Faingaa twins all sitting out the training session after their 18-13 win over the Crusaders in Saturday’s Super Rugby decider.
The Wallabies’ first Tri-Nations encounter against South Africa comes just six days after the Test against Samoa, and Deans was given an unwanted reminder on Tuesday of just how easily injury can strike.
Benn Robinson, regarded as one of the world’s best loosehead props, injured his right knee at training while setting off for a run.
Robinson was helped from the field, immediately iced the injury and will undergo further assessment.
Wallabies’ captain Rocky Elsom and David Pocock both trained away from the main group, but officials say they will both be available for selection.
While most of the Reds’ 15-strong contingent in the Wallabies’ squad were forced to rest, pace ace Rod Davies trained strongly and is considered a good chance to earn his maiden Test cap against Samoa.
“He’s just got genuine pace. He knows how to find a hole and he’s a genuine finisher – and he also does what you want a winger to do – backs up on any linebreaks. He’s got the gas to do it,” Horwill said.
Possible Wallabies’ side: Mark Gerrard, James O’Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe, Rod Davies, Matt Giteau, Nick Phipps, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson, Dave Dennis, Sitaleki Timani, Nathan Sharpe, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu. Res: Ben Daley, Beau Robinson, James Hanson, Digby Ioane, Dan Vickerman, Kurtley Beale, Radike Samo.
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