Barnes set for Wallabies return

Updated October 24, 2012 18:23:38

Radar-boot Mike Harris is up for a stern fight to keep his Wallabies full-back jersey ahead of returning stalwart Berrick Barnes.

Barnes is set to be named among an experienced trio, including flanker David Pocock and hooker Stephen Moore, to return from injury in Australia's four-Test tour of Europe.

Coach Robbie Deans will Thursday morning announce a 30-man squad for the end-of-season tour where the Wallabies will kick off proceedings against France on November 10 before playing England, Italy and Wales.

Barnes, a veteran of 45 Tests, has not played since puncturing his lung in the September 30 loss to South Africa in Pretoria but would be expected to slot straight back into Deans' inexperienced backline.

New Zealand product Harris exceeded expectations in his two starts at full-back in the utility back's absence and has been a star with the boot.

The 24-year-old has kicked a combined 12 goals from 13 attempts under huge pressure in the 25-19 win over Argentina in Rosario and 18-18 draw with the All Blacks at a packed Lang Park.

With the Wallabies crossing for just 12 tries from 11 Tests this year and relying more and more on goalkicking, Harris made a strong case for retention ahead of big-stage clashes at Stade de France and Twickenham.

While Barnes has long been a Deans favourite, the coach was also highly impressed by Harris's positional play at full-back considering he had had just one previous start at 15 for Queensland last year.

"Having had minimal games at full-back in my career I feel I'm getting more comfortable there with every chance I get to put the 15 jersey on," Harris said.

"It would be a dream come true to start and kick goals at those stadiums - it doesn't get much bigger than that.

"Berrick is coming back from a severe punctured lung so hopefully he'll be ready to tour with us and that will create a selection dilemma for Robbie."

Deans' biggest dilemma is whether to take blindside flanker Scott Higginbotham following his two-Test ban for kneeing and headbutting All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.

Higginbotham would miss the two toughest matches on tour against Les Bleus and England, and be a mere passenger until the November 24 clash with Italy in Florence.

World-class finisher Digby Ioane is expected to recover from a knee problem to tour in what would be a major relief considering Australia's wafer-thin wing stocks following the loss of seven Test flyers to injury.

While Pocock was skipper for the first five Tests this year, Nathan Sharpe will keep the captaincy duties as the number seven returns from knee surgery.

With Moore back from a hamstring injury, Deans must choose between Reds team-mates James Hanson and Saia Faingaa for the third hooker spot.

Possible Wallabies squad:

Forwards: Benn Robinson, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Ben Alexander, Paddy Ryan, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Stephen Moore, James Hanson, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Sitaleki Timani, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Dave Dennis, David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Liam Gill, Wycliff Palu, Radike Samo or Scott Higginbotham.

Backs: Nick Phipps, Brett Sheehan, Kurtley Beale, Berrick Barnes, Pat McCabe, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Digby Ioane, Nick Cummins, Drew Mitchell, Mike Harris.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted October 24, 2012 18:23:38

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Barnes slams 'Contiki' claims

Updated November 23, 2012 13:28:58

Wallabies full-back Berrick Barnes has slammed claims the Australian side is enjoying a Contiki Tour in Europe.

The Wallabies came under attack leading into last weekend's 20-14 win over England with a media report suggesting the Australian players were simply swanning around Europe and making a fortune doing it.

The Australians copped a wave of criticism following their humiliating 33-6 loss in the first game of the tour against France in Paris.

Barnes noted that players have one day off a week on the four-Test tour and they are entitled to take in the sights of historic cities like Paris and Florence should they choose.

"You're here mate ... you're not going to tell me you're not going to go out and look at the Duomo or any of the great sights while you're here in Florence," Barnes said.

"You don't want to look back on your footy career and think I was in Florence and all I saw was the hotel. You'd be kicking yourself.

"You've got to get out and experience it but it's no Contiki Tour like people are trying to say. Comments like that hurt because we are working hard.

"Nobody was happy with the France game and we worked hard and turned that around."

Barnes does not see the harm in players getting away from rugby for a while - as he famously did himself during the 2007 World Cup in France when the Wallabies' youngest squad member back-packed solo through Europe.

"Blokes are entitled to go out on their day off and try and get a bit of balance off the field. That can be golf or whatever they want to do and so they should," he said.

"We've got our priorities right and when we train, we train hard."

The Wallabies play Italy in Florence on Sunday (*AEDT) before heading to Cardiff to face Wales a week later in the final Test of the tour.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, italy

First posted November 23, 2012 13:28:58

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Barnes tips battle to regain Test spot

Updated November 01, 2012 14:29:01

Wallabies stalwart Berrick Barnes believes he might have to battle his way back into the team off the bench on the coming European tour.

Utility back Barnes started a personal-best 11 straight Tests before a punctured lung suffered against South Africa in late September put him out of Australia's last two games.

Unfortunately for 46-Test veteran Barnes, Australia produced two of its better performances of a patchy season in those matches.

The Wallabies won 25-19 against Argentina in Rosario and drew 18-18 with world champions New Zealand in Brisbane, ending the All Blacks' 16-match winning streak.

In both Tests, coach Robbie Deans opted for Kurtley Beale at five-eighth, Pat McCabe at inside centre and Mike Harris at full-back - in the three positions Barnes can fill.

"You've got to earn your spots back ... that's the way Robbie has always been. You get injured, you've got to work your way back into it again," Barnes said on Thursday.

"I'm under no illusions as to what probably I have to do to get back into it.

"In the three positions I play, you've got three guys playing well.

"Even if there's an opportunity to get back on the bench, I'd take it - that's for sure.

"I've always probably thought my best position was 12 but, in saying that, Pat McCabe is playing some of his best rugby and he's one of the leaders in the group, so I'm not expecting to get back in there ...

"I play 10 and 15 as well, so that gives me obviously a leg up for bench spots, but we'll just see what happens."

Recent captain David Pocock said it would come down to the team coaches and medical staff if he was ready to play the first match of the four-Test tour against France in Paris on November 11 (AEDT).

The champion openside flanker missed Australia's past six Tests after undergoing knee surgery.

"I feel pretty good, I've progressed through all the running and rehab stuff and I've done a fair bit of contact," Pocock said.

He lavished praise on his replacement Michael Hooper and felt they could start together in the team, probably as the two flankers.

"I'd love to play alongside him. It comes down to what the coaches want and what they think will work best," Pocock said.

He said it had been frustrating not playing, but good to see the development of younger forwards like Hooper and locks Sitaleki Timani and Kane Douglas.

"I think it's really important that we're continuing to improve from the Rugby Championship and guys who have got a taste of it really start to kick on," Pocock said.

"We've got to make the most of this opportunity. Four games against some of the best teams in the world is really important in our development."

Pocock captained Australia earlier in the season, but said he was not worried at having to play under veteran Nathan Sharpe on the tour.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted November 01, 2012 14:29:01

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Barnes in the running for fly half role

Updated September 26, 2012 07:51:26

Australia's Berrick Barnes believes he will play at either fly half or full-back in Saturday's Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Pretoria, as coach Robbie Deans considers his options at number 10.

Barnes, one of three contenders for the fly half position along with the mercurial Kurtley Beale and Mike Harris, has also appeared at inside centre this year as well as full-back.

"I'm sure I'll either be at 10 or 15, and if I'm full-back then I'll have a lot more work under the high ball," he said.

"No side tests the full-back as much as the Springboks do. People talk about the forward battle, but you have to deal with the kicking game as well."

Barnes is fully expecting the Springboks to bombard the visitors with high kicks and says the tactic had contributed to the Wallabies struggling to beat them in Perth on September 8.

"You're not allowed to kick in Australia," he laughed. "But there's a real appreciation for the kicking game here, I guess it depends on what you find entertaining.

"It's a huge part of Test rugby, how you exit your own half and we struggled with that in Perth. We'll endeavour not to try as many grubbers this time.

"They can be effective if you get them through the line, it's just we didn't get any through."

If Barnes does play at fly half, he is expecting the Springboks to put pressure on him by running at his channel with their big centres.

"Frans Steyn is over 100 kilograms, he's not small, but you have to deal with it as best you can, much like tackling Ma'a Nonu or Sonny Bill Williams," he said.

"It's not an easy task and I'm sure they'll use that same channel to attack, although you also have to be aware of what's outside that with Bryan Habana and Jean de Villiers, who hasn't been getting many raps but he's one of the best centres in the world."

Meanwhile, a gastrointestinal bug has affected the Wallabies camp with captain Nathan Sharpe, props James Slipper and Ben Alexander, lock Sitaleki Timani and loose forwards Liam Gill and Scott Higginbotham all being laid low.

The Wallabies have already lost hooker Stephen Moore, who strained a hamstring at training. Uncapped Queensland hooker James Hanson has flown to South Africa to cover for Moore.

The Wallabies will announce their team on Thursday (local time).

Reuters

Tags: sport, rugby-union, south-africa

First posted September 26, 2012 07:51:26

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Barnes looks good for Tahs return

Updated March 05, 2012 17:06:53

New South Wales coach Michael Foley says the signs are promising for Berrick Barnes to return to Super Rugby action against the Highlanders, but is resigned to losing back-up hooker Damien Fitzpatrick for a long period.

Classy Wallabies inside back Barnes has missed the Waratahs' first two matches against Queensland and Melbourne Rebels with a groin injury.

Together with flanker Pat McCutcheon, who is coming back from a calf injury, Barnes will be assessed after training on Tuesday, with the Waratahs squad for Saturday's match in Dunedin scheduled to be announced the following day.

"Tomorrow's run will be the last to get through and I'm reluctant to tell you he (Barnes) is right to go until he does that, but things are looking promising," Foley said.

Foley did not give anything away about if and where Barnes would play if passed fit, but says he is very impressed with young utility back Bernard Foley, who starred in his first start at full-back against the Rebels.

He fears Fitzpatrick has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury which, if confirmed, will effectively rule him out for the season.

Foley says John Ulugia, who has made 24 Super Rugby appearances with the Waratahs and Brumbies, will back up first-choice hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and the Waratahs will look at a couple of overseas-based players and club rugby for another number two.

He says winger Drew Mitchell's season is still in doubt due to a torn ankle tendon, but he hopes to have him back by mid-year.

Inside centre Tom Carter, whose position could be threatened if Barnes is passed fit, has a slight eye infection but should be available for selection this week.

Foley did not want to comment on the 10-match suspension handed out to Rebels lock Adam Byrnes for coming into contact with Carter's eye, but feels it probably is a vindication of the new white card system where referees can refer allegations to the citing commissioner.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, super-12, sydney-2000

First posted March 05, 2012 17:06:53

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Barnes tightens up in Waratahs trial

Updated February 17, 2012 23:12:46

Berrick Barnes' early departure from Friday night's trial demolition of Tonga appeared precautionary, but the Waratahs will still be holding their breath ahead of next week's Super Rugby opener against Queensland.

The New South Wales star playmaker was only down to play 40 minutes at the Sydney Football Stadium, but was replaced in the 30th minute, nursing a groin complaint - as the Waratahs cruised to a 52-0 victory.

New South Wales was confident Barnes was just experiencing tightness in his right groin, with the stand-in captain having the area strapped as soon as he was replaced by Daniel Halangahu.

Waratahs coach Michael Foley said Barnes would be properly assessed on Saturday, but at this stage there was no doubt about his availability for the Reds match.

"We haven't got the full medical there but it was really just the kicking that was irritating his groin and when that started to flair up a little bit we took the precaution of taking him off the field before it became more serious," he said.

"There's a couple of niggles that will be assessed but we actually got through a game without any (injuries) so that's a good thing."

Barnes' departure came quite suddenly, given the five-eighth had just thrown the last pass for Rob Horne's try and potted his third conversion for a 21-0 lead.

Halangahu did not even have his shirt on when Barnes came from the field, and because of the delay, the Wallaby five-eighth even motioned to play on - a good sign the problem is not overly serious.

But if Barnes was not able to back up in time for next Saturday night's blockbuster against the Reds, it would push the Waratahs' injury troubles towards a crisis.

Already missing the likes of Rocky Elsom (March return), Dan Vickerman (April return), Lachie Turner (season) and most likely Drew Mitchell for round one, New South Wales will be desperate for its number 10 to steer the ship against the defending premiers.

The news was better for giant number eight Wycliff Palu, Horne, prop Benn Robinson and Adam Ashley-Cooper on his Waratahs debut, who all got through unscathed.

Foley said he is happy with where stars like Ashley-Cooper, Palu and Robinson are at.

"You saw a bit of impact from Cliff at times, Adam made a couple of incisive runs and certainly Benn scrummaged well, so a good start for all of those guys," he said.

"I think we probably came out of that feeling like there were times when we didn't control the ball well enough ... some things for us to work on next week but generally some pleasing things."

Impressive South African number nine Sarel Pretorius showed off his brilliant running game, scoring the first try of the night and was named man of the match.

With the match broken into a first half and then three periods of 20 minutes for a total playing time of 100 minutes, confusion set in at the SFS when half the crowd of 4,063 stood up and walked out after a hooter was blown at 80 minutes.

Even the match officials left the field and had to be called back.
AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted February 17, 2012 23:06:25

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Barnes 'getting back to his best'

Updated December 06, 2011 11:05:53

Resurgent Wallabies back Berrick Barnes is convinced he is almost back to his best after producing two strong performances at the end of a tough year.

Sidelined for the latter stages of the Super Rugby tournament following issues with footballer's migraine, Barnes just squeezed into the Wallabies' World Cup squad.

He then formed an exciting new midfield combination with James O'Connor on Australia's two-match tour of Britain, playing primarily at inside centre with the latter calling the shots from five-eighth.

With first-choice playmaker Quade Cooper sidelined by a serious knee injury, Barnes relished the chance to start the tour matches against the Barbarians and Wales.

"I feel like I'm getting back to my best sort of footy in the last couple of games, which has been good and that comes with consistent footy and it comes with getting opportunities starting games as well," Barnes told reporters at Sydney Airport on Tuesday.

A strong contender to play five-eighth for the Waratahs next year, Barnes admitted Wallabies coach Robbie Deans clearly preferred to use him at inside centre.

"I've enjoyed playing it and at the end of the day I'll take a Test start wherever I can get it and especially after the year I've had," Barnes said.

"It's been great to get back into the Test side and more importantly just enjoy my footy.

"It was a pretty big call to take me on that World Cup squad so I appreciate that, but there's been a lot of hard work and stuff behind closed doors."

Barnes was impressed with the way O'Connor handled the switch to a major playmaking role.

"He did extremely well in his first outing there at Test level," Barnes said.

While he was one of the success stories of the tour, Barnes was not taking anything for granted and expected Cooper to come back better than ever from his surgery.

Winger Lachie Turner said he would undergo scans to ascertain the extent of a fractured thumb suffered against Wales.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, rugby-union-world-cup, super-14, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 06, 2011 11:05:53

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Barnes fit to face Wales

Updated November 30, 2011 08:37:26

Wallabies playmaker Berrick Barnes has declared himself fit for Saturday's Test against Wales in Cardiff.

The injury-plagued inside centre hurt his shoulder in Australia's 60-11 victory over the Barbarians last weekend at Twickenham.

The man of the match in Australia's 21-18 victory over Wales in last month's World Cup bronze medal match trained with the national team on Tuesday afternoon in miserable conditions on the outskirts of Cardiff.

He is expected to line up at No.12 for the second straight week outside of new fly half James O'Connor.

Barnes, who this year battled migraines, showed some discomfort talking to the media on Tuesday but was confident of being ready for Saturday.

"I was a bit frustrated on the weekend, because something innocuous like that it just shits you because you are just wrong place, wrong time," he said.

"Every time I seem to go on spring tour I always seem to get injured.

"I have done an ankle, done a knee, done a few other things and did my knee in Italy the year before. It is just the way it goes.

"Last year I did not miss a game and this year I have had head problems. I just try to stay in the game."

Wales coach Warren Gatland made six changes to his team for Shane Williams' farewell match at Millennium Stadium.

The New Zealand mentor put on a mask with Williams' face on it as part of 'Shane Williams Day' in the Welsh camp on Tuesday.

Gatland said his players had to put the clamps on the Wallabies and that he was not upset by O'Connor being shifted from wing to fly half.

"I am happy that he is playing at No.10 than on the wing," he said.

"I think he is an outstanding winger as well. That is the key for the Australian team is not give them space.

"Not let them off-load."

Captain Sam Warburton returns after missing last month's match against the Wallabies through suspension.

Centre Scott Williams, half-back Lloyd Williams, fly half Rhys Priestland, lock Ian Evans and prop Scott Andrews have also all been named in the starting line-up.

Injuries ruled out centre Jonathan Davies, lock Alun Wyn Jones, props Paul James and Adam Jones while halves Mike Phillips and James Hook were not released by their French clubs.

Wales:

Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Scott Williams, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, Rhys Priestland, Lloyd Williams; Toby Faletua, Sam Warburton (capt), Dan Lydiate; Ian Evans, Bradley Davies; Scott Andrews, Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins

Replacements: Matthew Rees, Ryan Bevington, Ryan Jones, Justin Tipuric, Tavis Knoyle, Dan Biggar, Alex Cuthbert

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia, wales, united-kingdom

First posted November 30, 2011 07:13:27

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Interview: Berrick Barnes

Published:Friday, October 21, 2011 9:26 AEDTExpires:Thursday, January 19, 2012 9:26 AEDT

Wallabies centre Berrick Barnes said that it was a last-man-standing affair to win over Wales in the third-place play-off at Eden Park after losing team-mates to injury.

Tags: sport, rugby-union, rugby-world-cup, australia

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Interview: Berrick Barnes

Published:Friday, October 21, 2011 9:26 AEDTExpires:Thursday, January 19, 2012 9:26 AEDT

Wallabies centre Berrick Barnes said that it was a last-man-standing affair to win over Wales in the third-place play-off at Eden Park after losing team-mates to injury.

Tags: sport, rugby-union, rugby-world-cup, australia

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Barnes, Beale doubt lingers for Waratahs

Posted April 26, 2011 12:23:00

Berrick Barnes needs to show confidence in contact training if he is to play in the NSW Waratahs' Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday night.

Five-eighth Barnes has missed several matches while recovering from concussion and, while he has been passed medically fit, the 24-year-old must feel comfortable in his role in a contact session before being given the green light by coach Chris Hickey.

Fellow Wallaby Kurtley Beale did not train on Tuesday as he battles to recover from lateral ligament damage in his knee.

The injury is not serious, but Beale will need to be monitored and his chances of turning out at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday depend on how he responds to training later in the week.

The Waratahs mounting injury woes again claimed Phil Waugh, the captain picking up a nasty hamstring tear in the weekend loss to Queensland which will keep him out at least two weeks.

It is the third different injury for Waugh this season and the ageing warrior admits he is struggling to find a balance of how hard to push his body.

"It's extremely frustrating but it's a fine line and you've got to push yourself throughout your career all the time and sometimes you push yourself harder than the body can handle," Waugh said on Tuesday.

"Right at the end of the game, literally as I was about to come off, pretty much the last run (I did my hamstring).

"Unfortunately that's sport and I just need to recover as quickly as possible.

"It's fairly significant so it's just a matter of trying to rehab it as quick as possible and get back on the field ... it'll at least be a couple of weeks."

Australian representatives Drew Mitchell, Rob Horne and Wycliff Palu are also on the NSW injury list.

However in good news for the team, Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is on track to face the Rebels after a head knock forced him from the field against the Reds.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

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Barnes' health raises concussion debate

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Broadcast: 19/06/2011

Berrick Barnes' decision to take a break from rugby for the sake of his health has raised questions over player wellbeing.

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Barnes taking leave of absence

Updated June 14, 2011 15:49:00

Berrick Barnes is hoping to be named in the Wallabies World Cup squad next month despite withdrawing from the remainder of the Super Rugby season to deal with head knock-related issues.

The New South Wales playmaker announced his decision on Tuesday to take a break on medical advice following last weekend's victory over the Highlanders where he was forced from the field in the first half and later suffered a severe headache.

"It's coming on in a bit of a wave at the moment and I'm having a few more (headaches) than I usually have had in the past, so it's probably time to address it now before it becomes too much of a problem," Barnes said.

"I'll liaise with the medical staff but also find some alternative routes to try and look into this sort of thing.

"The medical staff have been great and have assured me it's nothing that's going to affect me long term - which is positive."

Barnes, 25, who ruled out retirement as an option on Tuesday, said he had an encouraging meeting with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans on Monday.

"I've spoken to Robbie ... I've been liaising with him and the Wallabies doctor as well and they've both been very helpful," Barnes said.

"We only had a brief chat, he (Deans) was more worried about me and my well-being and that's the most important thing."

The former Brisbane Broncos player is hoping to make his return at club level for Sydney University in time to push for selection in the Wallabies World Cup squad, which is announced on July 10.

"That's my avenue I'll be coming back to play my footy in and hopefully give myself the opportunity to be selected for the World Cup," Barnes said.

Deans said in a statement that everybody involved with the Wallabies supported Barnes' decision.

"He is warmly regarded and respected within the group," Deans said.

"It is important that Berrick takes all of the time that he needs to overcome this issue, and that he is ready both physically and mentally, before he even thinks about playing the game again."

"Obviously it is disappointing that he is having to take a break at this time.

"How long Berrick is out for will determine what happens next, as far as his career is concerned, but no-one will be rushing him."

The Waratahs play the Brumbies in their final Super Rugby home and away match at Sydney's Olympic stadium on Saturday night.

Barnes said it would not have been fair on his team-mates for him to continue playing for the Waratahs, who are just one point outside the top-six and a big chance of making the finals.

"To be coming off after 30 minutes or even 60 for that matter is not helping anybody," he said.

"It's been extremely frustrating ... There's no doubt that this is not just physiological it's psychological as well and I've got to get over that.

"I'm not hiding from the fact that I've been a bit a frustrated about things and that's probably causing some of the issues I'm having as well."

-AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, sydney-2000

First posted June 14, 2011 09:52:00

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Media Call: Berrick Barnes

Published:Tuesday, June 14, 2011 11:18 AESTExpires:Monday, September 12, 2011 11:18 AEST

Wallabies inside back Berrick Barnes says taking an indefinite leave of absence from the game is in the best interests of his health.

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia

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Barnes back for Tahs

Updated June 1, 2011 13:04:00

Berrick Barnes will make his return at inside centre for the injury-ravaged New South Wales Waratahs in their crucial Super Rugby clash with the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday morning (AEST).

Barnes has suffered three head knocks this season and missed the South African tour-opening 26-21 loss to the Sharks in Durban last weekend.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey has made five changes to his starting side, two of them forced by injury, with prop Sekope Kepu and centre Ryan Cross both heading back to Sydney to commence treatment on their knee injuries suffered against the Sharks.

Daniel Halangahu retains the number 10 jersey usually worn by Barnes while regular inside centre Tom Carter shifts to outside centre to fill the void left by Cross.

Experienced international Al Baxter replaces Kepu while captain Dean Mumm moves to flanker.

Kane Douglas returns to the starting side and will partner Sitaleki Timani in the second row.

The Waraths led the Sharks 21-13 with 25 minutes to go when full-back Kurtley Beale kicked a penalty awarded after Sharks flanker Jean Deysel was sin-binned for a choke-hold on Carter.

But the Sharks capitalised on the visitors' turnovers and poor discipline to score 13 unanswered points.

The result left the Waratahs wobbling on the finals tightrope with three rounds remaining.

The Sharks (47 points) displaced the Waratahs (46) from fifth with the Bulls (45) and Highlanders (44) still in contention.

Hickey is looking forward to the Bulls clash.

"Loftus is one of the great grounds in world Rugby and the Bulls have one of the most parochial crowds in the competition," Hickey said.

"Put those together and it creates a very special atmosphere which I know the players will enjoy.

"We've had to make a few changes but everyone combined well on Monday when we had our first hit-out for the week and I'm confident in the side we've named.

"We played well here last year but let ourselves down at stages which we cannot afford to do this week."

Waratahs: Kurtley Beale, Lachie Turner, Tom Carter, Berrick Barnes, Sosene Anesi, Daniel Halangahu, Luke Burgess, Ben Mowen, Chris Alcock, Dean Mumm (c), Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: John Ulugia, Paddy Ryan, Pat O'Connor, Dave Dennis, Hugh Perrett, Brendan McKibbin, Atieli Pakalani.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, nsw, sydney-2000, south-africa

First posted June 1, 2011 10:46:00

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Barnes, Beale doubt lingers for Waratahs

Posted April 26, 2011 12:23:00

Berrick Barnes needs to show confidence in contact training if he is to play in the NSW Waratahs' Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday night.

Five-eighth Barnes has missed several matches while recovering from concussion and, while he has been passed medically fit, the 24-year-old must feel comfortable in his role in a contact session before being given the green light by coach Chris Hickey.

Fellow Wallaby Kurtley Beale did not train on Tuesday as he battles to recover from lateral ligament damage in his knee.

The injury is not serious, but Beale will need to be monitored and his chances of turning out at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday depend on how he responds to training later in the week.

The Waratahs mounting injury woes again claimed Phil Waugh, the captain picking up a nasty hamstring tear in the weekend loss to Queensland which will keep him out at least two weeks.

It is the third different injury for Waugh this season and the ageing warrior admits he is struggling to find a balance of how hard to push his body.

"It's extremely frustrating but it's a fine line and you've got to push yourself throughout your career all the time and sometimes you push yourself harder than the body can handle," Waugh said on Tuesday.

"Right at the end of the game, literally as I was about to come off, pretty much the last run (I did my hamstring).

"Unfortunately that's sport and I just need to recover as quickly as possible.

"It's fairly significant so it's just a matter of trying to rehab it as quick as possible and get back on the field ... it'll at least be a couple of weeks."

Australian representatives Drew Mitchell, Rob Horne and Wycliff Palu are also on the NSW injury list.

However in good news for the team, Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is on track to face the Rebels after a head knock forced him from the field against the Reds.

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