The Wallaby number eight Wycliff Palu is on course to make his international comeback ahead of schedule in the Tri-Nations series opener against the All Blacks in Auckland.
Palu missed Australia's first four matches of the international season with a hand injury but is available for selection after satisfying coach Robbie Deans he's ready.
Injured flanker Rocky Elsom is also making steady progress but is highly unlikely to be named next week.
The Australians have made a strong start to the new season, posting comfortable wins over the Barbarians, Italy and France, but captain Stirling Mortlock says they know they have to improve to beat the All Blacks .
