Rugby: Returning Weepu tempers expectations

Piri Weepu has been out of action since breaking his ankle in the ITM Cup last year. Photo / Getty Images

The distinctive beard won't be there for much longer, and halfback Piri Weepu is also playing down expectations of an eye-catching display ahead of his return for the Hurricanes on Friday night.

Weepu has been out of top level rugby since he broke his leg in a national provincial championship game last October and will ease his way back into action off the bench in the Hurricanes' Super 15 match against the Highlanders in Invercargill.

"I'm not expecting wonders from the beginning, but I'll just try and contribute to the team," said the 44-test All Black.

His badly broken right leg needed six screws to keep the bone steady during his seven-month rehabilitation and a calf problem, picked up on his meagre playing diet of a couple of club rugby matches and practice games, further delayed his return to the team.

Every outing has helped his confidence levels, but Weepu admits there remain some doubts after the injury.

"It is slowly getting there, but this is another step up from club level. I'm not as worried about it and just have to make sure I'm not getting caught up too much and stay as confident as I can."

After so long out of the game, Weepu was realistic about what he could contribute to a Hurricanes side who have won only three times this season.

"I don't think I'm in the state to be starting at this stage, it's my first game back - I don't want to get out there and not be where I'm supposed to be," he said.

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett was noncommittal about how much game time Weepu, who is set to make his 80th appearance for the franchise, would see -- it would be determined by how the game is panning out -- but welcomed his return, especially after reserve halfback Tyson Keats copped a four-week ban for a dangerous tackle on Blues halfback Alby Mathewson last Friday.

"It's exciting for him to get the jersey back on and do what he does best," said Hammett.

He said the players were pleased to see Weepu back after such a long absence, one of two changes to the side narrowly beaten by the Blues.

In the only change to the starting lineup, Ma'a Nonu returns after recovering from a fractured eye socket as Hammett perseveres with a forward pack that has found its form in recent weeks.

The Highlanders downed the Hurricanes 14-9 in the first round after dictating terms at the breakdown and Hammett said he expects the same approach from the southerners on Friday night, but added the Hurricanes had focused on that area during training this week.

With only five games left in the Hurricanes' season Weepu is conscious of the need to get game time to catch the eye of the All Blacks selectors ahead of the World Cup, but he has far more immediate aims.

"You can't think too far ahead, you've got to try and focus on what you're doing at the time. I need to focus on the task at hand and that is playing for the Hurricanes.

"It's been said that the hard work gets rewarded at the end and if I work hard and show leadership and the skill level that I had last year before broke my leg then I'm pretty sure I may get rewarded."

A charity is set to reap its own reward for Weepu's commitment not to shave until his return to Super rugby with his bushy beard set to be shaved off early next week.

- NZPA