McCabe cautious about return
The Brumbies will be hoping to have the services of Wallaby Pat McCabe for their clash against the Bulls this weekend but the centre is in no rush to return.
McCabe has been sidelined for nearly four months after suffering a career-threatening neck injury playing for the Wallabies in November last year.
He made a return to the ACT XV earlier in the month, but only managed to get through 30 minutes before he left the field with a hamstring strain.
"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.
"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 told the Sydney Morning Herald.
He understands the problems that he has faced and also not being able to be part of the leading Super Rugby franchise this season takes its toll.
"It's extremely frustrating … 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 next face the Bulls in Canberra and will be bolstered by the fact that they have no injury worries after their bruising loss to the Stormers this last weekend.
They will also be encouraged by the possible return of mercurial fullback Jesse Mogg as well as in-form scrumhalf Nic White for their clash with the Bulls.
"The aim is to come back against the Bulls, it's just a time thing," Mogg said.
Mogg, who has been in phenomenal form this season, will be hoping that he has impressed Wallaby coach Robbie Deans enough to earn a call-up for the prestigious British and Irish Lions tour later in the year.
"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," Mogg added.
