WHILE the NSW Waratahs members of Wallabies squad appear set to miss the opening stages of their Bush2Blesidloe tour in the Central West next week, by the time the Australian squad arrives in Bathurst it is expected to be at full strength.

Coach Ewan McKenzie and the Wallabies are taking part in the tour in the lead up to their clash with the New Zealand All Blacks on August 16 and next week they will visit Dubbo before continuing on to Orange, Bathurst and Penrith.

But with the Waratahs taking on the Crusaders in Saturday night’s Super Rugby final, it seems unlikely they will be on a plane to Dubbo less than 48 hours later.

Australian Rugby Union western region development manager Mark Debrincat has been working closely with the Wallabies as they plan their trip to the bush and admitted it will be disappointing to miss out on seeing the Waratahs at some venues. Still, he said a NSW victory on Saturday night would result in a huge boost to an already exciting time in the sport.

“We’re not 100 per cent sure at the moment but it’s likely the Waratahs will be given two or three days off,” he said.

“Unfortunately it looks like they won’t be in Dubbo or Orange and will join the squad in Bathurst.

“But a win for them on Saturday night will add some more real interest.”

The Waratahs players who will begin their Bush2Blesidloe in Bathurst include the likes of Israel Folau, Kurtley Beale, Will Skelton and national captain Michael Hooper.

Debrincat said the Bush2Blesidloe program is an incredible opportunity for rugby fans throughout the Central West, with Bathurst set to witness a whole day and night of Wallabies-related action.

The Bledisloe trophy itself will arrive on Wednesday with a mayor’s VIP function and Bush2Blesidloe gala dinner later that evening.

On Thursday the Bledisloe Cup will visit Bathurst Primary and Cathedral schools with the Wallabies to arrive in the afternoon and stage a training session at Ashwood Park.

In a massive bonus for local players, two Bathurst Bulldogs and CSU Central West Rugby Union outfits will get the chance to train with some Wallabies.

Players from the Bathurst Bulldogs under 13s, All Saints’ College and Scots School first XVs and five sides from Saint Stanislaus College will get the same experience.

“Ewan McKenzie said it recently, but it’s a unique trip, the team is going to the fans when it’s usually the other way around,” Debrincat said.

“That’s a really creditable effort and it should be good, I’m excited for it.

“We’ve been given the opportunity to see them on our doorstep and I’m sure there will be good crowds and good spirit.”