0
Shepherd has eyes on Wallabies recall
5th March 2009, 16:30 WST
Cameron Shepherd wants to reclaim his spot as Wallabies full-back by June but is happy to live on a wing and a prayer this month.
Having endured successive injuries that limited his chance of making the Wallabies No.15 jersey his own in 2007 and last year, Shepherd considers the wing the best place for him right now as he hones his speed and his confidence.
Shepherd made a miserable return to full-back in the season opener against the Blues, with sub-standard handling, tackling and kicking.
“I was pretty filthy with myself,” he said. “I knew I had a bad game and why.”
He missed the Cheetahs match because the ankle he shattered in mid-2008 against France was still giving him discomfort but his return on the wing in round three was the stuff Han Christian Andersen wished he could dream up for a fairytale.
Shepherd entered the match looking for a measure of confidence. Three tries later – only the second in Force history – he was spraying confidence around the dressing room with the merry abandon of a victorious formula one driver wasting a magnum of expensive French champagne.
“I got the boost I needed,” he said. “I’m feeling great now.
“I didn’t have to work too hard to get the tries in Canberra. All I had to do was get in space and finish.”
He said he was happy for Drew Mitchell to continue as full-back in tomorrow’s Super 14 match against the Waikato Chiefs here, particularly if he continues to get good ball.
“I love playing on the wing outside Drew because he creates so many chances for me,” said Shepherd.
“I just hope we keep doing the same things against the Chiefs.
“They’ll come out very physical and strong and if we don’t match them, they’re the kind of side who will get on top and dominate.”
HAMILTON
DAVE HUGHES
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ntentID=128419