Cameron Clark impressive in Waratahs comeback at Brisbane Global Tens

CAM Clark impressed Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson in his long-awaited return to rugby on the first day of the Brisbane Global Tens.

Waratahs speedster Cam Clark.

CAM Clark impressed Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson in his long-awaited return to rugby on the first day of the Brisbane Global Tens.

The speedster was a standout as NSW defeated French side Pau 31-10 in their opening match, and showed little signs of rust in his first match since shoulder surgery last August.

“It’s really competitive for those outside back spots, it’s a trial for them because I don’t think anyone has put their hands up fully yet,” Gibson said.

“Cam Clark, first game back in any sort of format for five months, I noticed he stayed out there for a long time, he wasn’t coming off.”

Gibson also revealed that injured halfback Nick Phipps should be fit to play in Thursday’s trial match against Melbourne Rebels at Brookvale Oval, their final practice match before the Super Rugby season begins.

Jake Gordon in action for the Waratahs against Pau on Friday.

“We’re hopeful Nick will recover for Thursday’s trial,” Gibson said.

But Phipps’ back-up, Jake Gordon, is putting plenty of pressure on and he scored an outstanding try against Pau that was started with a break and grubber by playmaker Mack Mason.

“(Gordon) is going well, he’s got a bit of an opportunity right now to get in front of me and take that,” Gibson said. “He’s hungry, he’s competing hard.”

Gordon said the Tens was an important part of the Waratahs’ pre-season.

“We’ve got a point to prove this year, obviously last year wasn’t acceptable,’ he said.

“Daryl spoke with us and made it very clear that this was one of the platforms to really set a good block for this year.”

NSW led Pau 26-5 at half-time and Gibson deliberately stayed away from the team huddles on the field, leaving the players to talk tactics alone.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for them to manage themselves,” Gibson said.

“That’s what we want, a self-sufficient team. That’s the beauty of youth. They’re loving the opportunity.

Waratahs speedster Cam Clark.

“Our props looked up, saw Carl Hayman and thought, ‘this is amazing’. Then they got shoved backwards.

“I just wanted them to come out and play with some energy. I’m looking at our defence more than anything.

“I thought we looked fit. That’s a big cornerstone this year, let’s make sure we’re fit before we do anything.

“I thought we did well at contact areas, so really positive in the early days.”

Originally published as Cameron Clark impressive in Waratahs comeback at Brisbane Global Tens