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Tuqiri set for centre stage
24/10/2006 09:16 - (SA)
Sydney - Australia coach John Connolly is
planning to move Lote Tuqiri from wing to outside centre for
the opening match of their European tour against Wales on November 4.
Tour captain Stirling Mortlock is struggling with a knee
injury and is set to miss the opener at the Millennium Stadium,
leaving Tuqiri in line to don the number 13 jersey.
"With Stirling injured, it's probably fair to think that
Lote may move in one," Connolly told reporters at their
training camp on Tuesday.
"He probably prefers the wing a little bit more but he's a
pretty good player. He can play anywhere."
Mortlock, deputising as captain while George Gregan rests
from tour duty, is expected to recover in time for the Tests
against Italy, Ireland and Scotland next month.
Connolly said he believed Tuqiri, a former Fijian and
Australian rugby league player, would be tempted to stay with
the Wallabies after next year's World Cup despite renewed
speculation about the 27-year-old Waratah reverting codes.
"I think he wants to stay," Connolly said.
"He's important obviously, as all stars are in any code,
whether it's Lote or whoever."
The Australian squad leaves for Europe on Friday.
- Reuters
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