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Digby Ioane’s renowned recuperative powers have worked wonders again for the tackle-shedding winger to deliver the Wallabies a major boost for Saturday night’s first Test against the British and Irish Lions.
Ioane was in severe doubt just last week as he struggled to return to full training after undergoing knee surgery to clean up damaged cartilage late last month.
But the 34-Test flyer is now fully confident of playing to his capacity after taking full part in team sessions on Friday and Monday.
Ioane on Tuesday morning reported he’d ticked all the boxes and his knee would stand up to the rigours of an intense battle in front of a sell-out crowd of 52,500 at Suncorp Stadium.
“It’s feeling good, I’ll be ready for this weekend,” he said.
“I just had to do the little things first to get it right but now I’m right to go.
“All I have to do is just get picked for this weekend.”
Coach Robbie Deans is certain to select a fit Ioane on the left wing with Israel Folau to make his Test debut on the right.
The 27-year-old, who will join French club Stade Francais on a $2 million-plus two-year deal at the end of the year, admitted he was frustrated and worried after being booked in for the arthroscopy four weeks ago.
But the world-class Ioane dismissed any fears he would struggle to hit the ground running against the big Lions backline on Saturday night.
“I’ve been in this situation before against the All Blacks – I think it was in 2010 when I did my shoulder,” the Queensland Reds winger said.
“I didn’t play a game all year and that was my first game so I’m not too worried about it.”
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.