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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has challenged Taqele Naiyaravoro to command a Test call-up now that he’s free to tour South Africa with the NSW Waratahs.
After being grounded for months, Naiyaravoro was on Thursday granted an Australian sports visa that frees the Fiji-born excitement machine to travel internationally with the Super Rugby champions.
The removal of his restrictions means Naiyaravoro – who’s been drawing comparisons with Jonah Lomu following his tackle-busting try against the Western Force last week – can play in the Waratahs’ key upcoming matches against the Lions and Cheetahs.
Despite missing two matches in New Zealand, 195cm, 120kg tackle-shedder is the Waratahs’ equal leading tryscorer in 2015 – and fast emerging as a cult hero who the titleholders will be desperate to retain next season.
The 23-year-old has a deal with the Scottish Rugby Union to join Edinburgh but is believed to have a get-out clause should he be capped by the Wallabies.
On current form, he is every chance of earning a Test debut, with Cheika admitting he’d be crazy not to consider the Wallabies bolter for the Rugby Championship.
“It would be naive of me not to have a look at him,” Cheika said on FoxSports’ Rugby HQ on Thursday night.
“You’d have to say he’s right up there. He’s a profile that we don’t have, that big type of winger.
“So he’s right up there challenging with the other wingers that have been performing and who have performed for Australia already on last year’s spring tour.”
Cheika said Naiyaravoro’s performances for the Waratahs over the last five rounds of Super Rugby and then hopefully the finals would determine if the former Wests Tigers lower-grade rugby league player was up to Test standard.
“You can see by the way he’s been playing that he takes his opportunities when they’re presented,” Cheika said.
“He’s still got a lot to learn in rugby at the top level and the requirements in both attack and defence.
“But when he’s got the ball in his hands with a bit of room to move, he’s a pretty devastating player.
“But like anyone too, he’s going to get marked heavier and teams are going to go after him, so it’s how he grows from that.”
Former Wallabies captain George Gregan was among the commentators to marvel at his awesome firepower after he bumped off three defenders to score a spectacular five-pointer against the Force.
“He’s a great finisher,” Gregan said.
“He’s someone who can create something out of nothing.
“He’s got a turn of pace for a big man too.”
The official visa granted to Naiyaravoro by the Department of Immigration is an Australian Temporary Work (Long Stay Activity) visa (subclass 401).
Such a visa is for professional and amateur sportspeople, judges and adjudicators who want to participate in their field of sport in Australia and frees the winger to play the Lions and Cheetahs in rounds 16 and 17 – pending approval of entry visa by the South African government.
The visa is valid for two years and allows Naiyaravoro to come and go as he pleases during that time.
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.