Sheehan eyeing Wallaby berth
Waratahs scrumhalf Brett Sheehan is relishing the opportunity to make up for a poor Super 14 campaign last year and even earn another Wallaby call-up.
Waratahs scrumhalf Brett Sheehan is relishing the opportunity to make up for a poor Super 14 campaign last year and even earn another Wallaby call-up.
Sheehan made his Wallaby debut against the Springboks in 2006 and hasn't played a Wallaby Test since.
However, the appointment of Robbie Deans as the new Wallaby mentor gives him a fresh opportunity to make an impression on the national coach.
“The reason I stayed in Australia is that I want to play more Tests, that has always been a goal of mine,” Sheehan told the Daily Telegraph.
Sheehan played in the Australian Rugby Championship (ARC) for the Central Coast Rays last year, which gave him the ideal opportunity to lay a solid platform on which to build ahead of the new season.
“It was a bit bitter last year, but I just want to get out and play good rugby. I did that in the ARC and I've been pretty happy with my trial form. I'm just looking to get the start with the Waratahs,” added Sheehan.
Sheehan certainly can't afford to squander his starting opportunity against Hurricanes in the Super 14 opener on Friday, as there is tough competition for that Waratahs No.9 jersey.
Former Brumbies scrumhalf Luke Burgess and the talented Josh Valentine will both be knocking hard on the 'Tahs door this season and if Sheehan wastes his chance this weekend he won't get many more this season.
“I've been working on a few things this year and they are paying off. Fitness is one of them. I probably haven't been fit enough in the past.
“I've worked with strength and conditioning and it has helped me, especially with the new laws. Towards the back end of the halves the forwards get a bit tired and it opens up a bit for me,” added Sheehan.
Sheehan, who has featured predominantly in te pre-season matches, clearly made a significant impression on coach Ewen McKenzie, which is the ideal start to the season for the halfback.
“The reality is that Brett has played two and a half of the trials, by hook or by crook he had ended up with more opportunity. He has carried his ARC form on in the trials, and that is something that is hard to ignore,” added McKenzie.