But the Grand Slam skipper is set to be plunged back in at the deep end on Saturday at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, where he is expected to lead the northern hemisphere champions into action against the current holders of the Tri-Nations title.
Warburton last laced up his boots in anger for the Grand Slam decider against France at the Millennium Stadium on 17 March.
He only lasted to half-time before a nerve problem in his shoulder forced him to stay in the dressing room.
"I'd been playing straight through from August, when the summer Tests started, right through to the Six Nations and my body was crying out for a bit of a rest," admitted Warburton.
"As much as I wanted to play for the Blues, I had to take a break to get the shoulder right. Now I've had a bit of a rest my body is crying out to play again - I'm getting withdrawal symptoms, so the sooner I get back the better.
"Training has gone well, I haven't felt off the pace and I've gained some good weight. Of course, I would rather have gone into an international match with a few games preparation under my belt, but I'm very happy going into the first Test this weekend."
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