Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu ready for rugby recall after hefty ban

The under-pressure Waratahs are ready to recall a key player branded a hothead because of his on-field eruptions — but is the feisty star a changed man?

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Waratahs hard man Tolu Latu is ready to make his comeback this weekend after completing his latest suspension and the feisty hooker hasn’t wasted a second getting ready to make up for lost time.

Slapped with a six-match ban for recklessly charging into a ruck in the round two win over the Sunwolves in Tokyo, Latu is already battling the perception that he’s a hothead prone to on-field brain explosions.

The former forklift driver has also been warned about his fitness levels so he’s kicked that impression into touch by getting himself into the best shape of his career.

Tolu Latu’s (R) six-week suspension has come to an end. Picture: AAP

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That will allow him to challenge starting hooker Damien Fitzpatrick and reserve Andrew Tuala for a spot in the Waratahs squad and press his claims for World Cup selection.

“He’s looking good,” Waratahs defensive coach Steve Tandy said.

“He obviously brings a physical edge, he's good over the ball, strong in the set piece and around the scrums and a good ball carrier so there’s loads of attributes that Tolu can add to the group which will be exciting.

“It’s not as if he’s been injured for large periods, it’s a suspension so I think it's easier to keep yourself going.

“To get in the team and push Fitzy and AT, you’ve got to be in good shape and get ready to go to present the jersey properly.”

The Waratahs won their Round 10 clash over the Rebels. Picture: AAP

Second rower Jed Holloway also reckons Latu is looking leaner than ever and says his return couldn’t come at a better time with the Waratahs facing the Sharks at Bankwest Stadium this Saturday.

“He’s an international level player so anytime you get a Test player coming off the bench or potentially starting it’s a huge impact on the team,” Holloway said.

“Whether he’s picked or not I'm sure he’ll be raring to go, he’s actually looking the best I’ve ever seen look so we’ll be keen to have him back.

“Physically, I think he’s at the best weight he’s played at since I’ve played with him and his skin folds are at the best as well so he’s looking really good.”

Jed Holloway believes Latu is in good shape after his suspension. Picture: Getty

While his ill discipline has landed him in hot water before, Latu’s toughness will be welcome against a South African team known for its brutal physicality.

The Waratahs are on a high after Saturday’s win over the Rebels while the Sharks are coming off back-to-back defeats though Tandy knows that means in a season where nearly every team has been struggling for consistency.

“We know we’ve got areas we’ve got to improve on and get better in and we know the Sharks are probably hurting from their two losses so there’s no time to rest on any laurels,” Tandy said.

“Beating the Rebels was huge for us but it’s really important we back up that performance.

“Physically we're going to have to really step up to the mark. You know these huge men are going up come at you.”