Tahs' returning Wallaby trio ‘all good’
The Waratahs may have lost their friendly against the Melbourne Rebels in Albury on Saturday, but in a major positive, their returning stars came through the hit-out unscathed.
Despite the 28-33 loss, it wasn't all gloom and doom for the Tahs, with Kurtley Beale making a successful return from a shoulder surgery.
"I copped a couple of serious knocks on the shoulder and it came through without any problems," said Beale, who shifted his focus to next week’s trial against the Blues and their star recruit Benji Marshall.
"I can't wait to line up against Benji Marshall next week when we play the Blues," said the Wallaby utility back.
Trialling for a contract with the Waratahs, Wallaby loose forward and former Brumbies' captain Stephen Hoiles put three years of injury behind him when he stormed over for a converted try to have the Waratahs cruising 21-12 after 40 minutes.
"Getting through the game without any discomfort to my Achilles is a great confidence booster," said Hoiles, who went to Sweden for an operation to have one last shot at playing Super Rugby.
Also returning from injury, Wallaby No.8 Wycliff Palu started the third quarter, playing his first game since the British and Irish Lions tour and coming through unscathed.
"All good," was Palu's response after his first game since undergoing knee surgery nearly six months ago.
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika wasn't disappointed about losing the opening trial, but he was disappointed they didn't follow instructions, especially at the breakdown.
"I don't care about the score, I care about the rules of engagement and we didn't deliver on what we said we would," said Cheika.
But the coach was not overcritical, claiming, "We are fit enough and will improve for our next game."
