Peter Betham puts four months of injury pain behind him to battle for a bench spot for Tahs’ semifinal

THE determination to be part of something “special” at the Waratahs was enough to get Peter Betham back on his feet quicker than expected.

Peter Betham scores for the Waratahs during the Waratahs v Queensland Reds Super Rugby game at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. pic mark evans

THE determination to be part of something “special” at the Waratahs was enough to get Peter Betham back on his feet quicker than expected.

The winger fractured his foot while playing against the Stormers in Cape Town nearly four months ago, but is in line to make his return when the Waratahs host the Brumbies in this weekend’s all-Australian Super Rugby semi-final clash.

After being part of the Waratahs’ early success this season, Betham admits it’s been frustrating watching from the sidelines.

“I was really determined to get back,” he said.

“I just want to be a part of something special and I think what’s going on at the moment, you’ve got to be a part of it. Whether you’re on the sidelines or you’re playing, you still want to be a part of it.

“I was pretty angry with myself about how I got injured and it’s been pretty frustrating watching the boys, but knowing that they’re winning and we came out on top was pretty good.

“It’s definitely been a hard slog - 14 weeks, but who’s counting?”

The turning point in his recovery came when Betham started running again, which was only three weeks ago.

But he insists he is 100 per cent fit and determined to contribute.

“I definitely feel I can back myself in terms of being able to perform, given the chance,” he said.

“I’ve ticked all the boxes and I’m raring to go, it just depends whether I get selected.

“I think we jumped a few steps in terms of rehab protocol, but I definitely wanted to get back.”

Peter Betham is junilant after crossing for a try in the Waratahs’ match against the Reds this year.

But Betham is realistic about how much he will be able to contribute after such a long absence. He knows a place in Saturday’s starting line-up is probably just out of reach and is instead hoping to make an impact off the bench.

“At the moment I’m not focusing too much on starting or anything - I think the biggest impact I can bring is from the bench,” he said.

“I bring a bit of X-factor, and with guys like Will Skelton on the bench I think adds some real muscle and speed.”

If he does get a run, he will be coming up against Fijian flyer Henry Speight, certainly the in-form winger of the competition.

“You can’t think too much about the opposition because then you’re on the back foot already, you’re anticipating what he’s supposedly going to do,” Betham said.

“You’ve just got to work to you own strengths, limit his space as well, and just back yourself as a winger going up against him because that’s all you can do.”

Originally published as Peter Betham puts four months of injury pain behind him to battle for a bench spot for Tahs’ semifinal