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Lote Tuqiri has been sacked for disciplinary reasons after his latest indiscretion, the last in a long list of issues. It’s the culmination of a player with the potential for behavioral problems combined with being out of touch with a game that’s left him behind.
It is worth revisiting the more recent comments to confirm that this was a train wreck in front of our eyes. I have nothing new to say than I have already said in previous Roar articles, but these comments have a new meaning in the light of Tuqiri’s sacking and can kick off a new discussion.
Lets examine the recent posts in my recent Roar article about the Wallabies’ body language: “Tuqiri has problems in his mind. Last Saturday, with just the diminutive Gordon 15, Dave Harvey, to beat, he failed. Didn’t even get close. It’s all a bit sad really.”
Further, in another Roar article: “Mitchell can get to the try line, as can AAC, as can Hynes and as can Ioane and Turner. Lote wont back himself to finish a try with pace and determination. Frankly, take his inability to remove the weaknesses from his game that have been evident for at least four seasons, specifically:
* Cross field running,
* not backing himself on the outside of an opponent
* not drawing and passing
* not developing kicking skills
* not becoming able to play in other positions (such as Fullback and 13)
* frequent failure to recycle the ball
These are serious weaknesses that were hidden by a big salary and reputation, but compounded by timid coaches. Compare his body shape to when he first arrived in rugby. He is completely muscle bound.”
This closes the page on the purchasing of league stars with a view to convert them into rugby players when they don’t really want to. The jury is still out on Tahu, but the pressure is building on him as time goes on.
Barnes, Elsom and Cross are different because they were not new to rugby.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.