The 27-year-old has been out of action for four months following ankle ligament damage but looks set to return at the weekend for the Ospreys against Connacht in the Magners League.

But the Australian has urged caution and admits the Lions scrum-half is only just beginning to find his feet again and it is vital he is in the best shape possible before he pulls on a red jersey again.

He said: “It’s a horrible injury to come back from so there are always going to be question marks over whether a player will be back to their best.

“If he is looking sharp and running then there is always an option of taking a chance and sticking Mike as a replacement.

“It depends on how he plays this weekend – if he is slow and blowing a bit then he is going to struggle but if he is looking sharp he may well be considered to come on as an impact player against France.”