Returning Wallaby Dan Vickerman is confident he can handle being thrown into the NSW Waratahs' must-win Super Rugby match against the Brumbies on Saturday, despite not playing for ten weeks.

Vickerman, who last played for NSW in 2008, had spent the intervening period studying in England and only returned to Australia on Saturday.

The strapping second-rower hasn't played since turning out for English club Northampton in March.

Asked if he was up to the task, Vickerman said: "I'd like to think so. I believe in myself."

NSW coach Chris Hickey was impressed: "I think he's in really good shape physically from a fitness point of view, so the fact he hasn't played since March I don't think is a big factor."

An established member of the Wallabies side until going to study at Cambridge University, Vickerman said he had kept in contact with national coach Robbie Deans.

But he admitted he was cutting it fine in terms of trying to make the World Cup squad.

"There's guys who have been playing week in week out and deserve the opportunity they get. I think I'm a way off. I've got challenges ahead of me," Vickerman said.

"If (World Cup selection) happens, that will be a dream come true."

Nathan Sharpe and James Horwell loom as the likely second-row starters in the Wallabies' opening Test of the year against Samoa on July 17.

Vickerman's return, probably on the bench, will help fortify a NSW side plagued by injuries.

No.8 Wycliff Palu will miss the remainder of the Super Rugby season with a fractured shoulder, and a call will be made on Tuesday on the fitness of inside back Berrick Barnes following a series of head knocks.

Prop Benn Robinson and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau will probably be given until Friday to prove their fitness, although centre Ryan Cross is a chance of returning this weekend.

Hickey said Vickerman possessed a high rugby intellect and wouldn't have any trouble absorbing all information about the team structure.

"There's a fair bit involved with lineouts and defence and attack. There's also how we scrummage and our patterns of play," Hickey said.

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