Tahu champing at the Bok bit
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:16
Bring it on: Timana Tahu and George Smith ready for the challenge
Wallabies centre Timana Tahu has declared it 'open season' on the Springboks, as South Africa and Australia prepare for their Tri-Nations encounter in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Tahu, who is set to take over from the injured Berrick Barnes as the Wallabies' inside centre, will only know on Thursday if coach Robbie Deans will select him alongside captain Stirling Mortlock in the Wallaby midfield.
Barnes injured his shoulder in the opening minutes of Australia's emphatic 27-15 win over the Boks in Durban last week and has flown home - along with injured lock Dan Vickerman.
In training this week Deans has been working intensely with the dual international in a bid to prepare him for one of the most intimidating Test cauldrons in world Rugby.
Despite the pressure, Tahu says he is ready to take his chance.
"I've been preparing all season for this moment, and if it comes up I'll be delighted," he said in an interview on the Wallabies' website.
"It was a frustrating few months during the Super 14 but Robbie knew where I was suited, and that No.12 was my best position. Robbie gives a lot of players confidence, and makes us believe in ourselves.
"If you have a positive coach around, you really want to play for him. It is a good environment at the moment, and everyone wants to play for each other.
"Getting to know the game playing in different positions has been hard, but I think I'm up to scratch now.
"So if it does come to a situation on Saturday where I do start, the team and Robbie will have confidence in me, and I'll have confidence in myself. It is also a lot better playing with the Wallabies, and because you are playing with the best it makes your job so much easier."
The Wallabies will name their team on Thursday, as they chase their first back-to-back victories in the Republic since 1963.
