News

Tuqiri fighting for inclusion

June 29 2009

A few weeks ago we posed the question whether Lote Tuqiri will be used during the June internationals and indeed during the Tri Nations.

Well we know now that despite proving his fitness on time Tuqiri's services were considered surplus to requirements for the Tests against the Barbarians, Italy and France.

The calls for Tuqiri's inclusion for the Tri Nations have already started with former Wallaby centre Tim Horan suggesting that the winger's 191cm, 103kg frame will be a handy asset during the July and August assaults.

This is clearly also a consideration in coach Robbie Deans' thinking.

"Size does matter. Everything matters, and without a doubt that one of Lote's assets is his presence," Deans told AAP.

"He is strong and he does intimidate. When you're standing opposite him I imagine it's quite a daunting sight. I haven't had that experience."

Deans, who will announce his squad to take on South Africa and New Zealand on Thursday refuses to confirm that the 67-Test Waratah will be in the mix.

"But he's working hard," the coach said. "You can see that in his games.

"He's working hard during the week as well as in games. When you do that, you cannot help but benefit from that.

"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."