The Qantas Wallabies picked up a boost at the weekend when outside half Berrick Barnes made a successful return to action with the Waratahs.
The 50-times capped Barnes came off the bench in the Waratahs’ 21-15 Super Rugby win over the Stormers in Sydney to set-up a vital try and kicking two goals. It was his first game since recovering from a broken wrist.
Robbie Deans is due to name the first draft of his squad to face Warren Gatland’s British & Irish Lions next month on Sunday and Barnes hopes to use Saturday’s game against Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies to force his way into the equation.
“I dare say every player, if they’re being honest, would say they’d love to play against the Lions come a few weeks’ time. I don’t hide from that,” said the 26-year-old utility back.
“All I can do is make sure fitness is on my side, and a bit of game time, and then it’s up to the guys who make the calls. First and foremost, though, we’ve got Brumbies and the Tahs this week and we’re still in with a hunt for the play-offs, which is nice.”
With Melbourne Rebels star Kurtley Beale still in hot-water for his off-field behaviour, and James O’Connor ruled out for a fortnight after his latest injury, Barnes could well come into contention with Quade Cooper for the No 10 jersey against the Lions.
