Pat McCabe is poised to return to action in ACT Brumbies’ Super Rugby clash with the Bulls but he remains cautious.
The Australia centre had been sidelined for the best part of four months after suffering a career-threatening neck injury during the Wallabies’ November tour.
He made his comeback for ACT XV at the beginning of the month but lasted just 30minutes after pulling his hamstring.
He is now eager to return to the pitch but insists he will take no unnecessary risks.
"I've been running for a week and a half, it feels really good and I'd like to play now because it's been a long time out of the team,” said McCabe.
"But you've got to be a little bit careful with hammys, you don't want it to turn into six or eight weeks so we're going to be smart and patient.”
McCabe admits it has been a frustrating spell on the sidelines but he is delighted to be nearing a return to action with the Lions looming on the horizon.
"It's extremely frustrating,” added McCabe
“You do everything right to get your neck right and then you can't even get through a half of footy.
"Hopefully this is just my bad luck and it turns around for a little while, but it's good to be close again and hopefully I last for a bit longer than 30 minutes next time," he added.
The table-topping Brumbies take on the Bulls in Canberra and could be bolstered by the returns of Jesse Mogg and Nic White.
Mogg has been in imperious form for the Brumbies and although the back-three is an area where the Wallabies boast a wealth of talent, he has been tipped as a dark horse to face Warren Gatland’s men.
"The aim is to come back against the Bulls, it's just a time thing," said Mogg.
"I'd much rather be out there playing than sitting on the sidelines.
"This game is a massive one for us, the Bulls are coming off two losses and we've got a short turnaround.
"For us it's just about getting back on the horse and doing what has served us well in the previous weeks, in terms of confidence I don't think it's suffered at all.”
