Fraser McReight set to return to action after defying the odds in Wallabies’ earlier Tests
Fraser McReight scoring for Wallabies against Portugal.
The Wallabies received a boost after star flanker Fraser McReight was ruled fit for their last two Rugby Championship matches against the All Blacks in Sydney and Wellington.
The 25-year-old is set to return to action in the first Bledisloe Cup clash in Sydney’s Accor Stadium as the Wallabies aim to end their Bledisloe Cup heartache against their trans-Tasman rivals.
McReight’s return comes after he showed remarkable powers of resilience to play through the pain barrier during the Wallabies‘ July internationals.
The Reds back-row made a routine tackle in the first minute of Australia’s first Test victory over Wales and sustained a hand injury in the process.
Played with a broken hand in three Tests
He did not realise that he actually fractured his hand and went on to play in both internationals against Wales as well as the Wallabies’ one-off Test against Georgia.
McReight was ever present in all three of those Tests as, apart from a yellow card in the clash against the Lelos, he did not miss a minute’s action in the Wallabies’ July fixtures.
He eventually went off to get scans where the fracture was revealed and missed the Wallabies’ first two matches against South Africa in Brisbane and Perth as well as their clashes with Argentina in La Plata and Sante Fe.
“I thought it was hopefully ligament (damage) and then went for scans that showed it was broken, saw a specialist and then got the advice to get (the surgery) done,” McReight told reporters.
“Obviously longevity and your health are important so pretty happy we got it done and sorted.”
During his time on the sidelines, young back-row Carlo Tizzano came into the Wallabies’ run-on side to wear the number seven jersey and McReight has been impressed by how the rookie tearaway has adapted to the rigours of international rugby.
“He’s been solid and I think he’s stood up to Test footy,” he added. “I’m happy for him and to see him go well.”
McReight watched the Wallabies’ matches against Argentina from Australia and despite his team-mates’ horror show in the second half of the clash in Sante Fe, which resulted in a 67-27 loss, he saw some positives which he feels they can build on.
“We played three great halves of footy and had that one slip up so you can’t really focus on that,” he explained.
‘Lessons to be learnt’
“I’m sure there’s lessons to be learnt but everyone’s come back and Argentina’s a tough place so we’ve had a week off with family and friends and we’re rejuvenated.
“There’s that buzz of playing the All Blacks, one of the best teams in the world, so there’s not going to be a worry about the team not getting up for it.”
McReight is looking forward to measure himself against the All Blacks loose forwards, who will also be highly motivated to return to the victory trail after suffering back-to-back losses against the Springboks.
“They’re a great back-row so I’m sure it’s going to be a great challenge in the next two games,” he added.
“They’ve got a fair few players there that have been around a while like Sam Cane who is closing in on 100 Tests as well as Ardie (Savea) and others. They’ve a very dynamic and powerful.”
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