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Haylett-Petty: I am very lucky

Dane Haylett-Petty goes over for a try. (David Davies/PA via AP)
31st May, 2017
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Western Force fullback Dane Haylett-Petty admits he is a tad lucky to earn his latest Wallabies call-up but is keen to make the most of the opportunity.

Haylett-Petty was named in the 34-man Wallabies squad for the June Test window despite having not played since tearing his right hamstring in the Force’s loss to the Chiefs on April 22.

The 27-year-old will make his return in Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Hurricanes in Perth, before linking up with the Wallabies’ squad before the Tests against Fiji, Scotland, and Italy.

Haylett-Petty has impressed during his 14-Test career, and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is backing the West Australian to produce the goods yet again despite his hindered preparation.

“Obviously I’m feeling a bit lucky considering I’ve missed the past six weeks,” Haylett-Petty said.

“I’m excited about getting back in the squad. I really enjoyed the environment last year.

“This weekend is going to be crucial to get a run under my belt. And from there, who knows what will happen.

“Hopefully I can train well and put myself into contention.

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“There’s some very talented outside backs in that squad who have been playing really well this season.”

Haylett-Petty said he felt a pop when his hamstring went, and he was worried it was more serious than the six-week injury it turned out to be.

He will be joined in the Wallabies squad by flanker Richard Hardwick, who has starred for the Force this season.

“He’s another West Australian,” Haylett-Petty said.

“It just shows the pathway is really working.

“He’s had a great year, and he’s got a lot of growth left in him.

“This will be his first taste of it, and hopefully he can get a game and kick-start his international career.”

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Haylett-Petty said the likes of Alex Newsome and Chance Peni were among the other Force young guns who will push their case for international selection in the near future.

The Force need to beat the Hurricanes, Rebels, and Waratahs if they are to have any chance of leapfrogging the Brumbies into top spot of the Australian conference.

Australian teams are 0-20 against NZ outfits this season, and the Force face a major battle to buck that trend when they take on the high-flying Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes have lost just two games this season.

But, such is the strength of the New Zealand teams, the Wellington side are likely to finish second in their conference to the Crusaders (13-0).

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