Hunt wants back in

Karmichael Hunt is healing quicker than expected from his ankle surgery. However, he is aware that getting back into Wallaby contention will be challenging due to their continued improvement.

Hunt is expected to be able to start running again this week. The Wallabies are in action again on September 9 when they face South Africa in Perth.

"It puts me behind the eight-ball no doubt," Hunt told AAP.

"But we're kind of ahead of schedule … I'll catch up on Thursday with the surgeon and see what he thinks.

"I've just got to get back up and running and then footy-wise see what Cheik wants to do."

Kurtley Beale has been a standout performer in the 12 jersey in Hunt's absence. Both players are versatile and can prove to be dangerous if they start or come off the bench as impact players. 

"I've always tried to be pretty balanced in terms of playing style, so it's definitely a card up my sleeve," he said.

"But the way the boys played in Dunedin; they did very well and are in good spirits and there is a lot of competition for spots."