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Wednesday, December 03, 2008, 18:14
The former New South Wales Waratahs and Australia A centre first signed at The Rec in 2000-01, when he scored 11 tries, before resigning in 2006, and, after a slow start this campaign, he is set on regaining a regular place in Steve Meehan's starting XV.
"For me, the season started off a little slowly and then I had a good run of games, but I want to push hard and get back in the starting positions," said Berne.
"There's four or five guys in the squad competing for maybe two positions, so, yes, I want to play regular rugby and make the starting line-up, but the competition is tough.
"Being left out of a matchday 22 is hard, but that's part of sport that we all except and want to change with our own performances. I want to play every week, but it doesn't always work out that way."
The Australian, who took over the captain's armband when Alex Crockett was injured during the Northampton game, is hoping to be in the line-up for Sunday's Heineken Cup visit of Glasgow in Pool 5 (1pm).
"We want Glasgow to know they're in for a tough afternoon on Sunday. After any defeat, all you want to do is get back out there and play and get better," he said.
"We're disappointed at the moment with a draw and a loss (in the Premiership) and want to get back to winning as soon as possible."
Reflecting on the last three Guinness Premiership fixtures, Berne said: "Leaving it to the last minute (against Leicester) was not ideal, although the defensive display was outstanding.
"We know that we haven't performed well enough against Northampton and of course against Quins at the weekend.
"I'm not sure what you can say it is, but we're starting games well and playing with a lot of confidence," he added.
"It's difficult to put your finger on it, but the performance has to be stepped up I guess. As a team we're not putting that final part of the game together well enough.
"Things haven't changed in training regarding the spell in the Heineken Cup over the Premiership.
"As a team we're still practising the plays and the moves, but the European competition is intense and everyone knows it's a must-win game on Sunday."
Shaun Berne
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