Key Wallabies players have revealed some mixed injury news, with Quade Cooper stating he is faster than before he ruptured his Achilles tendon but Taniela Tupou and Jordan Petaia admitting they are unlikely to feature in the opening Test against South Africa.
New Wallabies scrum coach Neal Hatley expressed some optimism on Tuesday that Tupou, who also ruptured his Achilles last year, would be available for selection for the Rugby Championship clash with the Springboks in Pretoria on July 9 (AEST).
But the trump card prop appeared to pour cold water on that scenario after modelling Australia’s Rugby World Cup jersey at Sydney’s Coogee Oval on Thursday.
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Wallabies coach Eddie Jones will name his Rugby Championship squad on Sunday.
“I mean, I haven’t joined the team yet,” Tupou told reporters.
“Like, I want to be back on the field as soon as I can, but then again, it’s a big injury, Achilles, you know, I don’t want to rush it. So I’m not sure, I would love to be a part of the team in South Africa, but then again, can’t be too ahead of myself because Eddie hasn’t named his team…
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“So I want to make sure that my name is at least read first before I talk about playing in South Africa.”
Achilles injuries are tricky customers at the best of times but Tupou’s enormous frame and explosive style adds an extra layer of risk.
The 27-year-old admitted it was a difficult injury to cope with mentally.
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“It was tough at the start because I did it trying to take off, you know, and coming back, starting running, you know, it’s all in my head. I mean, the Achilles is strong, you know, I’ve done everything, I’ve lifted heavier than ever, whatever…
“So now I’ve done a lot more running and, you know, I feel good but I know I’ll struggle when I get back.”
Talented outside back Petaia, meanwhile, is also on the comeback trail after undergoing surgery on damaged ligaments in his wrist – an injury that prematurely ended his Super Rugby Pacific season.
He is also unlikely to feature against the Springboks.
“I don’t really have an exact timeline on it, I think it’s just a week by week thing. Hopefully the next month or two,” Petaia said.
Jones will however be heartened by the sight of Cooper operating at 100 per cent after easing back into club rugby in Japan and then a run for the Barbarians at Twickenham.
Cooper is in a selection scrap with Bernard Foley and Carter Gordon to wear the gold No.10 against the world champions.
“We always like to think we’re in the best shape of our life,” the veteran playmaker said.
“I felt confident a while back and getting back on the field, grateful for the opportunity that I had with being able to play two games for my club and… the Barbarians game against the World XV – a tremendous game, it was a very physical game with some of the best players in the world.”
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Cooper said his speed and acceleration was “actually better” than before the injury.
“I’m at just over 10 months now, since the the injury. So I’ve had 10 months to prepare myself physically.
“And then prior to that, you know, I was, I’ve been working very hard in a certain way for about four years.”
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