A defiant Phil Waugh insists his Test rugby career is far from finished and is priming himself for a huge 2010 campaign in which he could re-write the Waratahs record books.

The 79-times capped back rower missed out on the current Wallabies tour of Japan and the United Kingdom after suffering a quadriceps injury in the Sydney club grand final.

In his absence, long standing rival George Smith and rising Western Force youngster David Pocock have been vying for the starting openside position on tour.

Pocock cemented his hold on the No.7 jersey with a man-of-the match performance against Ireland in Dublin.

Waugh, who stayed up in Sydney to watch the game in the early hours of Monday morning, made just two cameo appearances off the bench in Tests this year.

While currently behind Smith and Pocock in the pecking order, 30-year-old Waugh was absolutely adamant he could resume the Test career he started back in 2000.

"You've got to back yourself, I always back myself and I can only control the way I play, I can't control the way he (Pocock) plays," Waugh told reporters on Monday on his first day back at Waratahs pre-season training.

"It's just a matter of having a big 2010."

Waugh said Smith had been playing very well for Australia, but had probably been a bit disappointed with his game against England last week.

"I was surprised he didn't get on there at the end (against Ireland), particularly in those tight clashes at the end of the game where experience really matters," Waugh said.

"I'm sure he will get a run this week against Scotland and he will do what George does and perform well. In saying that I think it was great that David Pocock played well in the Test match, I think he needed a strong game and he had a strong game."

Waugh, who earlier this year re-signed with the Australian Rugby Union and Waratahs until the end of 2011, stands to record some significant milestones in the next 12 months.

Capped 114 times by NSW since his debut in 1999, he needs only five more games to surpass the franchise record currently held by former halfback Chris Whitaker.

He's just seven games away from also exceeding Whitaker's record tally of 40 games as NSW captain.

Starting his first NSW pre-Christmas pre-season since 2002, Waugh was extremely excited about the Waratahs' 2010 prospects after a strong recruiting drive.

"I think the management of the Waratahs deserve a huge pat on the back, just in the way they've assembled this squad," Waugh said.

"I think it's probably one of the strongest squads we've ever had."

Injured inside back Berrick Barnes joined his new Waratahs team mates at training on Monday despite an ankle injury which forced him to leave the Wallabies tour.

Barnes was wearing a moonboot on his left ankle and NSW coach Chris Hickey said he was likely to have to wear it for around two more weeks.

However, Hickey said his medical staff had suggested Barnes could resume full training following the Christmas break and was still on target to be fit for the opening round of the Super tournament in February.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP