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.
“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.”
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).
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
It's 2 Games and all of Last season's NRC where he terrorized the opposition from QLD countries back line - did you watch any of those games?. Similar to Gordon and I am singing the same praise for him over Phipps. I am not calling for a gold Jersey but definitely a run in the training squad. I am hoping that is the only reason why Koribete is there. If DHP had proven match fitness we wouldn't be having this conversation. Assuming all goes well tomorrow night, he will have played 1 game in 7 weeks, Who would you say is Australia's next best Fullback? Hodge? Debraczeni? Kellaway? For me Banks is next in line with 2 great performances and proven match fitness. Hunt is already in the squad and Folau's role is second 13, not 15, Foley and DHP shared that burden last year.
Paul
Guest
Not to mention it's kind of funny to mention the importance of tactical kicking when your No.1 fullback pick is Banks.
Markus
Guest
Tom Banks has had one great game and it was against a tired looking Jaguares defence. I think he looks really promising but this sudden talk that he demands Wallabies selection is bemusing.
scottd
Guest
I wish you hadn't said that
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
If Match Fit, he should be included. We will find that out tomorrow night. Hope he doesn't do a Beal or MacMahon and end up back on the injured list.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Crazy, As much as I am a DHP fan, and Dane said it himself, he was lucky to be named. I don't believe injured players should be in the Wallaby Squad, This is Cheika Mistake # 5 of 37. Tom Banks is clearly the Form Fullback with Hunt not far behind. I have a bad feeling about Hunt. In my view he, is worlds above Folau when it comes to being a fullback but doesn't look like he has mastered tactical kicking yet. He is certainly a better crashball runner than DHP but not as fast and agile. Rosco should have been there instead of Sky Blue Dempsey who hasn't played at elite level since last year. I liked Dempsey as a player last year but "What has he done lately". Cheika is a fool.
Crazy Horse
Guest
DHP is playing against the Canes on Saturday.
Boomeranga
Guest
Its perhaps appropriate of him to say so but I don't think for a moment he is lucky. He earned the loyalty from the coach by being a good player and performing. He's very much part of the squad now and if available he should be included.
MitchO
Guest
Agree Crazy Horse. And Rona would make a good "block busting" style winger but we need him at 13.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
DHP has been out injured but really should be the first choice 15 with Hunt his main competition. Both of them better than Folau in 2017. "Little" brother Ross has to be in the mix for a future Wallabies spot. Perhaps on the EYOT.