Western Force flanker Matt Hodgson has moved back into Wallabies back-row contention as Australia plots to undermine triumphant South Africa's monster pack in their August 8 Tri-Nations clash.

Uncapped Hodgson has overcome the shoulder injury that restricted him to a start in the June 6 season-opener against the Barbarians and is in line for a place in the 24-man tour squad to travel to Cape Town on Friday.

The industrious blindside flanker, the bolter of the initial 2009 Test squad, was one of 16 players who turned out in club rugby on the weekend.

Coach Robbie Deans could breathe easy after all reportedly emerged unscathed from their matches in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

There was only minor concern for winger Lachie Turner, who was replaced with hamstring tightness as a precaution at halftime of Eastwood's victory over Warringah in Sydney.

But the Waratahs speed merchant has been cleared for selection on Wednesday, 24 hours after the Wallabies' extended squad reassembles in camp in Sydney.

Hodgson's Force teammate Richard Brown (ankle) has also received the green light to resume training on Tuesday after being replaced in Australia's 22-16 loss to New Zealand eight days ago.

Back-rower Brown has the inside rail to retain the No.6 jersey but Deans may look to add extra mobility to his loose forwards if he opts to play a more expansive, ball-in-hand game to run around the powerful Springboks.

The All Blacks continued to play a conservative style in their 28-19 loss to South Africa in Bloemfontein early Sunday morning (AEST) which failed to pay off against the home side which dominated the first half.

Quiet achiever Hodgson was superb, alongside Brown and David Pocock, for the Force at the breakdown in the Super 14 and his attributes could cost Phil Waugh, unused in the Auckland defeat, a place on the bench.

All indications are one extra forward and back will be added to the opening Tri-Nations squad to allow extra options and cover for injuries.

Inside centre Berrick Barnes has been cleared but the extent of his recovery from a hip injury may determine whether centre Ryan Cross is included in the tour group ahead of an extra winger, with Peter Hynes challenging incumbents Turner and Drew Mitchell.

Deans would also be pleased by receiving a helping hand by the Springboks with sharp-shooter Morne Steyn kicking a long-range penalty goal in the dying minutes to deny the All Blacks a bonus point.

New Zealand will go to Durban this weekend with confidence they can bounce back with a crucial away victory as they came from behind to win at Kings Park in 2007 and also lifted the Tri-Nations with success there in 2002.

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