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McMeniman to make up for lost time

Thursday 28th August 2008

Focused: McMeniman is out to make up for lost time

Had it not been for injury or illness Hugh McMeniman might well be sitting on forty Wallaby caps, as it is he has just fifteen to his name.

McMeniman debuted for Australia back in 2005 against Samoa, but since then a long list of niggling injuries have prevented him from cementing a regular place in the Wallaby team.

Preferred to Nathan Sharpe for the two-Test tour to South Africa the Queensland Reds forward was in line to feature last weekend, that was until illness confined him to his bed for the best part of three days.

"It was like one of those things that could only happen to me," said McMeniman to The Australian, having trained on Wednesday for the first time since the illness.

"On Friday night, at about 12 o'clock, I went and saw the doc and I vomited a couple of times and by mid-morning I was stuffed. That's when I got called out.

"The doctor doesn't really know what caused it. It could have been picked up from my hands, something I picked up, food, anything. All I know is it was a pretty bad case and it kept me out of the game, which was disappointing."

Having lost over two kilograms due to the illness McMeniman is now on a protein diet as he looks to add the weight in time for this Saturday's Test at Ellis Park.

"I had something to eat this morning (Wednesday), which was pretty much the first thing in three days which I've kept down," McMeniman said.

"I've just got to work hard to get my weight back on with protein and stuff like that. It's going to be a couple of hard training days."

Having been set for a role on the bench last week McMeniman could now find himself in the starting XV this time around.

With Rocky Elsom out suspended and Dan Vickerman out injured there are several options open to coach Robbie Deans, and McMeniman can play anywhere in the back five of the scrum.

"There are plenty of guys to play that position (blindside flanker), but hopefully I'll get a shot at it," McMeniman said.

"It's real disappointing that Rocky's taken a week off like that, but we'll just have to deal with it.

"It was a bit shocking for all of us, but that ruling sets a precedent now. I guess there won't be any bringing down line-outs. Even though it wasn't a real bad one, it sets a precedent."

Whatever position McMeniman takes in the Wallabies line-up, he will be keen to make up for lost time.

"It will definitely give me a bit of an edge," he said.

"I want to prove myself, especially coming up against the All Blacks in the next match (in Brisbane on September 13).

"I definitely want to put a good performance on the paddock."