Wallabies forward Hugh McMeniman made a successful return from a shoulder reconstruction in the Western Force’s 54-12 trial win over Samoa A at nib Stadium on Friday night.
McMeniman, in action for the first time since August last year, made it through the first half unscathed before being subbed off.
The 30-year-old almost scored a try in the 14th minute, but was held up over the line.
McMeniman was breathing heavily by the end of the first half.
But the fact his shoulder stood firm under a series of hard hits would have brought a smile to the face of coach Michael Foley.
The Force kick off their season against the Waratahs in Sydney on February 23.
McMeniman is a chance to feature in that match, or the home clash with the Brumbies on March 1.
The Force’s main team ran up a 69-3 win over Samoa A last week.
The visitors put up more resistance this time, catching the Force A squad off guard to run in two first-half tries.
But the home side always had the game in control, with tries to Chris Alcock, Chris Tuatara-Morrison, Patrick Dellit, Brynard Stander, Ed Stubbs, Richard Hardwick, Luke Burton and Ryan Louwrens securing the win.
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