Tuqiri back on Wallabies' radar
Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:54
Australia coach, Robbie Deans says that he will most certainly consider banished wing Lote Tuqiri for the Wallabies side for the upcoming Tri-Nations series.
Tuqiri was the only fit member of the Wallabies' 30-man squad not used during the four June internationals but Deans agrees he is too big a weapon not to be considered for the Tri Nations.
Former Test selector Tim Horan said Deans must find room for the 67-Test veteran in his squad for Australia's Bledisloe Cup clashes with the All Blacks, in particular, this season.
Deans understood where Horan was coming from.
"Size does matter. Everything matters, and without a doubt that one of Lote's assets is his presence," Deans told the AAP.
"He is strong and he does intimidate. When you're standing opposite him [on the field], I imagine it's quite a daunting sight. I haven't had that experience."
Deans, though, once again refused to guarantee Tuqiri any Test time soon.
"But he's working hard," the coach said. "You can see that in his [Sydney club] games.
"So he's going to get better and better and I've indicated to him that he's going to get an opportunity - with the caveat that he continues to work at what he's doing.
"Obviously when that is we don't know, but he's shown that he's got a will and a want and that's always the critical thing - how players respond to the challenges that they're presented with."
Deans will announce his Tri Nations squad on Thursday.
Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
