Tuqiri handed Aussie call-up
Rugby league import Lote Tuqiri is the shock selection in Australia’s side to face Scotland in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final at Suncorp Stadium.
Tuqiri has impressed in a brief number of international appearances since switching codes last year but had been expecting a replacements’ berth at best this weekend when the Wallabies appear at the ground he used to call home as a Brisbane Bronco.
However, with coach Eddie Jones under pressure to make changes following Australia’s dismal performance against Ireland on Saturday, long-serving winger Joe Roff has been dumped to the bench, meaning the home side’s back three will be made up entirely of former 13-a-side men.
“This is what I’ve been aiming for,” said Tuqiri. “To get a start ahead of someone like Roffy is a great compliment and I have to repay that with a big performance this week.”
As expected, centre Stirling Mortlock is also recalled after playing second fiddle to Matt Burke for most of the tournament.
Mortlock’s expertise in the Australian midfield is likely to be vital in the latter stages of the competition, even though the Scots are not expected to pose too many problems on Saturday.
The only other change sees Justin Harrison take Daniel Vickerman’s place on the Wallabies’ bench.
“Once again there were some very tough decisions to make and while the likes of Joe Roff might not be starting he’s certainly still capable of turning the game for us on the bench,” said Jones.
Team: M Rogers; W Sailor, S Mortlock, E Flatley, L Tuqiri; S Larkham, G Gregan; B Young, B Cannon, B Darwin, N Sharpe, D Giffin, G Smith, P Waugh, D Lyons.
Replacements J Paul, A Baxter, J Harrison, M Cockbain, C Whitaker, M Giteau, J Roff.
