Vickerman relishing tricky comeback

Tuesday 08th July 2008

Australia veteran lock Dan Vickerman is relishing the challenge of reclaiming his Wallabies jersey for the upcoming Tri-Nations clash with South Africa in Perth after a six-week absence through injury.

The Waratahs star was forced to sit out on Australia's recent Tests against Ireland and France after undergoing ankle surgery to repair damage suffered in the Super 14 final.

But the towering South African-born lock admits his comeback into the Wallabies' starting line-up won't be easy against the likes of Reds youngster James Horwill, while the versatile duo of Dean Mumm and Hugh McMeniman are also waiting in the wings.

"It's always good coming into an environment where it's successful and the record of the coaching staff here speaks for itself," Vickerman told Sportal.

"And if I can hopefully learn and take as much information in over the next little while, it'll certainly bode well moving forward and I'm just excited to be a part of it.

"This certainly is a very exciting era for Australian rugby, the guys have had three wins and it's a bit of a changing of the guard so it's looking good and exciting."

Pressed on his chances of slotting into the side to take on the Springboks in Perth on Saturday week, Vickerman says he's not daunted by the extra competition for spots in Robbie Deans' line-up and, instead, is excited by the challenge that awaits him.

"I've obviously got to get through this week of training and (I'm) looking to play a bit of club rugby hopefully if the foot pulls up alright," said the 52-Test veteran.

"But it's exciting, very exciting times.

"I mean the guys have had a few good wins over France and Ireland and I think moving forward, hopefully I'll be able to slot into the squad and put my foot forward for selection but there's a fair bit of competition which is always good."

However, the 29-year-old is quietly confident his ankle can withstand a heavy workload in the coming weeks.

"I've been running for about a week so back into training today and then we'll see how we go and hopefully as I said (play) club rugby on the weekend which will be great," said Vickerman.

"It's feeling fantastic but feeling alright and walking around are two different things when you've actually got to run and change direction and put a fair bit of load through, but hopefully it should be ok."

Meanwhile, Vickerman would not be drawn on his plans for next season amid widespread speculation he will follow in flanker Rocky Elsom's footsteps and head to Europe when his ARU contract expires at the end of this year.

"I'm pretty confident I know what I'll be doing," he said.

"I've got a few bits and pieces I've got to work out and then we'll go from there and be able to make a decision in the next little while."