New Zealand v Australia, Auckland, August 6
Burgess boost for Wallabies
ESPNscrum Staff
August 1, 2011
Wallabies scrum-half Luke Burgess spots a gap, Italy v Australia, Stadio Artemi Franchi, Florence, Italy, November 20, 2010
Scrum-half Luke Burgess is poised for a return to the Wallabies' line-up this weekend © Getty Images
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Wallabies scrum-half Luke Burgess has been passed fit for this weekend's Tri-Nations showdown with the All Blacks in Auckland.

Burgess has been sidelined for five weeks after fracturing his hand ahead of the Waratahs' Super Rugby play-off against the Blues in Auckland last month but Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has confirmed he is in line for a return to action at Eden Park on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Burgess is likely to replace Nick Phipps on the bench for the Tri-Nations encounter, with Will Genia to continue in the No.9 jersey as the Wallabies attempt to make it two-from-two having accounted for South Africa in their opener a fortnight ago.

Berrick Barnes is also hoping to come back into the squad after he made a successful return to domestic action. Barnes had taken a break from the game after suffering with a series of concussion, but he has played twice for Sydney University with no side effects.

Fullback Kurtley Beale has also declared himself fit after overcoming an ankle injury sustained against the Springboks while Brumbies prop Salesi Ma'afu has recovered from a broken arm but will not make the trip. Prop Benn Robinson also remains upbeat about his slim Rugby World Cup chances having continued his recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Deans will name his 24-man squad for the All Blacks clash on Tuesday before announcing his team on Thursday after their first training session in Auckland.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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