Wallabies centre Christian Lealiifano has earmarked the Brumbies’ round-five clash with the NSW Waratahs on March 15 for his return to Super Rugby action.
The 26-year-old is recovering from the ankle surgery he underwent in December following a break-out season in which he made his international debut in the opening Test of the British and Irish Lions series in Brisbane.
However, that appearance lasted just 42 seconds. He was carried off after being knocked out when attempting to tackle Jonathan Davies.
But Lealiifano bounced back to play 13 times in the green and gold last year before going under the knife to cure a long-term ankle problem, with his moonboot to be removed on Monday.
“Everything is on track. It’s been frustrating, I’ve been on crutches for a while and I’m itching to get out,” Lealiifano said.
The inside centre battled through last season with the niggling ankle, which he first broke midway through 2012.
“You think you’d get some kind of warranty on these kind of things,” he joked.
“All the nurses (in December) were like: ‘Oh you’re back again!”
While he conceded precaution could delay his return as late as the round-seven clash with the Melbourne Rebels, Brumbies’ director of rugby Laurie Fisher believes the Waratahs match is a very realistic possibility.
“That will be the aim. He’s very important in our structures,” Fisher said.
In the meantime, Pat McCabe, South African recruit Lionel Cronje and Andrew Smith will battle it out for the No.12 jersey.
Meanwhile, joining captain Ben Mowen, Lealiifano, David Pocock and Stephen Moore in the Brumbies’ leadership group in 2014 will be back-row enforcer Fotu Auelua and veteran winger Clyde Rathbone.
“We’ve got a lot young players coming up now. Hopefully I can lead by example and pave the way for them,” Auelua said.
onetruegame
Guest
I tend to agree Peter
onetruegame
Guest
Oh boy, Tane, I live in Tah town, but there are more than a few reasons why the Tahs have copped so much flak. I'll leave it to others to take that one to you. But you never know Cheika might just be bringing home some bacon with a new feeling about town.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Semi final or higher 1996- Brumbies 7. Tahs 5. Reds 4. Not sure why the Tahs cop so much.
PeterK
Guest
agree re CL however he has never played 12 that well. He had an excellent year in 2012 at 10 where he should of been retained and Toomua at 12.
PeterK
Guest
sorry it wont happen. Toomua has been locked in for 10, shame CL at 10 and Toomua at 12 is far better.
Andy
Guest
Hard to say really, whilst he didn't set the world on fire he was solid for the most part and sometimes you need those players. I also think that one of the problems he and Toomua have at the next level is they're quite similar - neither is flashy, but they're steady and help other players to shine. Only really room for one in the team, and at this stage it's likely Toomua but anything can change in twelve - eighteen months.
Andy
Guest
Haha well put Westie.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
Loved the up-beat, optimistic, comment from Will Sinclair, gotta love those Tahs fans, every year they come out and talk up their players and the team. Maybe this year might be the year of the Tahs, (Oh wake me up mum I'm having that dream again). To be honest I don't really think that LLL set the world on fire when he played for the Wallabies, if it wasn't for his kicking I don't think he warranted the selection. I think he is a good player and may get a bench spot in future, somewhat like Harris, but as for a starting spot in the backline I think there are better options.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Yep! Usually my optimism this time of year is purely ironic. But this year I am struggling with actual, proper optimism! I like the Tahs this season. A lot. I think they were just about the best team in Australia by the end of last year (at least before the Lions Tour) and had a lot more up-side than the other Aussie teams. And they've strengthened. And the Reds and Brumbies have lost key coaching staff. Stop it, Will! You'll start getting excited again!
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
The life of a professional rugby player eh? Not fun but fingers crossed for the guy. I have to say - and I'm going to continue to say it every time I see his name mentioned in an article - that I DREAD the thought of Pat McCabe taking the field again. I've said it before and I'll continue to bleat on about it: I'm no doctor but it's crazy that a guy that has broken his neck twice already is still playing professional rugby. Please don't do it Pat. You've got nothing more to prove and you won't be letting anyone down by walking away now.
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
Gold.
Westie
Guest
Tahs optimism. Must be Jan
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
Exactly! Hopefully Bernie & Laurie see it that way too. ;)
Magic Sponge
Guest
Yeah good luck bit it will be awfully tough to make wallabies for the RWC.
messa
Guest
with Toomua's arrival this year as a very good test 12 I can't help but think CL's goal kicking is not important enough to keep him from being a fringe player now.
Justin3
Guest
and get back to playing ten, your best position
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
I think that, once he sees the Waratahs destroy the opposition at the start of the season, he will delay his come back by a week to avoid them. Yep. Almost certainly.
Justin3
Guest
Good luck Christian, you deserve a good run injury free but I wish you would come home to the mighty rebels