Former rugby league international and former State of Origin winger Timana Tahu was today named in his first Wallabies rugby union squad for the coming Tri Nations tournament.
Tahu was picked in Australia’s 30-man squad after starring for Australia A in the recent Pacific Nations Cup, scoring twice in yesterday’s 21-18 loss to New Zealand Maori.
It is the former Kangaroos and NSW league star’s first selection for the Wallabies since converting to union this year.
Australia’s Tri Nations campaign begins July 19 at Perth against world champions South Africa.
The Wallabies are currently three wins from as many starts under new coach Robbie Deans after posting record victories over France and also Ireland.
Tahu is one of four new additions to the Wallabies squad with winger Drew Mitchell, flanker Hugh McMeniman and lock Daniel Vickerman.
Mitchell and McMeniman had pushed their claims with Australia A while Vickerman returns after missing the three Tests with injury.
The four inclusions to the Wallabies have forced Digby Ioane, Mark Chisholm, Stephen Hoiles and Cameron Shepherd from the squad that beat Ireland and won the two Tests against France.
Shepherd could be out for the rest of the season after breaking his ankle last weekend.
Deans noted that Mitchell, Vickerman and McMeniman had all been unavailable for the original selection due to injury.
“That presented us with an opportunity to give other players, some of them quite young, an opportunity within our group, and were not disappointed with their contribution,” Deans said.
“All of the players who have missed out today have more to contribute at this level. It’s just a reality that our selection pool has grown.
“The quality of some of the blokes that we have coming into the squad, which has been proven previously at Test level, can’t be denied.”
Tahu makes the grade after impressing for Australia A following a slow start to his rugby union career with the NSW Waratahs due to a frustrating run with injury.
“We’ve been watching Timana closely, and believe the time is right to introduce him to this level,” Deans said.
“He has made good progress after a frustrating start to the year. While he is still learning the game, it is clear he has the ability to make an impact on a game, and will only get better as he gains more experience.”
2008 WALLABIES TRI NATIONS SQUAD
Backs: Adam Ashley Cooper (Northern Suburbs, Brumbies), Berrick Barnes (Reds), Luke Burgess (Eastern Suburbs, Waratahs), Sam Cordingley (Reds), Ryan Cross (Eastern Suburbs, Force), Matt Giteau (Force), Peter Hynes (Reds), Drew Mitchell (Force), Stirling Mortlock [c] (Gordon, Brumbies), Brett Sheehan (Warringah, Waratahs), Timana Tahu (West Harbour, Waratahs), Lote Tuqiri (West Harbour, Waratahs), Lachie Turner (Eastwood, Waratahs).
Forwards: Ben Alexander (Northern Suburbs, Brumbies), Al Baxter (Northern Suburbs, Waratahs), Richard Brown (Force), Matt Dunning (Eastwood, Waratahs), Rocky Elsom (Randwick, Waratahs), Adam Freier (Randwick, Waratahs), James Horwill (Reds), Hugh McMeniman (Reds), Stephen Moore (Reds), Dean Mumm (Sydney University, Waratahs), Wycliff Palu (Manly, Waratahs), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Parramatta, Waratahs), Benn Robinson (Eastwood, Waratahs), Nathan Sharpe (Force), George Smith (Manly, Brumbies), Phil Waugh (Sydney University, Waratahs), Dan Vickerman (Sydney University, Waratahs).
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