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Game-breaking Wallabies fullback Israel Folau is ahead of schedule following ankle surgery but it’s the five-eighth spot that’s most exercising the mind of new Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson.
The former All Blacks Test centre is gradually seeing the post Rugby World Cup injury clouds over his side dissipate.
Folau, winger Rob Horne and lock Will Skelton (both shoulder) are all on track for the opening round of Super Rugby next month.
Folau required an ankle operation after last year’s world cup.
“The good news on Folau is he’s running next week with a view to giving himself a month to get right for the final trial,” Gibson told AAP on Wednesday.
“He’s well on track, probably ahead of schedule. He’s healed well.
“I think the break has been good for his head space and good for his body.
“Rob Horne has been training without any difficulties, so at the moment things are going well for him.
“Will Skelton is certainly on track to play the first or second trial.”
The five-eighth spot is posing the biggest questions for Gibson who has taken over from 2014 title-winning coach Michael Cheika.
Wallabies fly half Bernard Foley will be coming off a season in Japan.
Gibson would love to have the luxury of easing the talented playmaker back into another torrid Super campaign after a heavy year with little break.
He revealed the Waratahs were confident of adding another current Japan-based Australian playmaker to their list and that Wallaby utility back Kurtley Beale had been running a lot at five-eighth during the pre-season.
“His (Foley’s Japanese) team hasn’t won a game, so I don’t know what head space he’s in,” Gibson said.
“But it would be a nice luxury to be able to not play Foley in the first (Super) game.
“As far I know, all the Japanese clubs are still playing this weekend. It’s after this weekend we will know whether he has to stay for further relegation games or we’ll get him back.”
The Waratahs will play trials against the other three semi-finalists from the 2015 competition.
They meet the Brumbies in Wagga Wagga on February 6 followed by Super Rugby runners-up the Chiefs in Rotorua on February 12 and reigning champions the Highlanders in Queenstown on February 19.
Most Wallabies don’t normally play the first trial of the season but Gibson didn’t rule using some against the Brumbies.
He described the recent addition to the 2016 roster of Wallabies and Waratahs No.8 Wycliff Palu as an added bonus.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.