The Waratahs' South African second row recruit Hendrik Roodt says that he wants to follow in Dan Vickerman's footsteps and play for the Wallabies.

The 22-year-old Emerging Springbok linked up with his new teammates in Sydney and like fellow South African Vickerman before him the former Blue Bull describes himself as "physical player".

"I never saw a lot of him, but I know about Dan and I would love to walk in his footsteps here as well," Roodt told reporters at Waratahs' training on Tuesday.

Asked about his international aspirations, Roodt said: "It's just playing for the Tahs for the moment but if I get the opportunity to play for the Aussies, I will be honoured."

"I've seen from the Waratahs they've also got a winning culture and some of the world's best defence," said Roodt.

Roodt probably won't get much game time in the upcoming Super 14 but his imposing presence was welcomed by Waratahs coach Chris Hickey.

"He's a big powerful man and I'm sure that with a bit of hard work throughout the season he will offer us plenty next year," Hickey said of Roodt.

"We've spent nearly 12 months trying to identify a lock that we felt could come in a give us what we're looking for."

"We looked at a lot of players and we felt that Hendrik as a young player at 22 who has already played Emerging Springbok and the nature of his game, being a big powerful man will really contribute a lot to the depth of our lock position."

Hickey said the whole idea of recruiting developing overseas players was that if they were good enough they will be eligible for Australia after three years.

"If that's the pathway Hendrik goes down, then that would be good for him, we'd be really pleased to assist in that area and it would probably be good for the Wallabies."

Meanwhile, injured inside back Berrick Barnes joined his new Waratahs team mates at training on Monday despite an ankle injury which forced him to leave the Wallabies tour.

Barnes was wearing a moonboot on his left ankle and Hickey said he was likely to have to wear it for around two more weeks but he is on target to be fit for the opening round of the 2010 Super 14 tournament.