Timana Tahu called into Wallabies squad for Tri Nations
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Monday, 7 July 2008
NSWRU Media Unit
HSBC Waratah back Timana Tahu has been rewarded for an eye-catching Pacific Nations Cup campaign with selection in the Wallabies 30-man squad for the 2008 Tri Nations.
Timana Tahu in action for Australia A.
Timana Tahu in action for Australia A. [2008 IRB Pacific Nations Cup - Australia A v NZ Maori at SFS]
The 27-year-old is one of four players named today who were not selected in the initial Wallabies squad that contested the first three Tests of the season.
Waratahs lock Dan Vickerman returns to the national squad following injury, while Force back Drew Mitchell and Reds forward Hugh McMeniman have also been named after strong performances for Australia A.
Tahu's selection comes after impressing for Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup, including two tries in Sunday's loss to New Zealand Maori.
His elevation to the national squad continues a meteoric rise for the former rugby league international who missed much of the Super 14 due to a hamstring injury.
"We've been watching Timana closely, and believe the time is right to introduce him to this level," said Wallaby coach Robbie Deans. "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."
Fellow Waratahs Matt Dunning, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Lote Tuqiri and Wycliff Palu have all missed recent Tests with injury, however all four are expected to be fit for some involvement when the squad assembles for training at Manly tomorrow.
Half of the Wallabies squad is now made up of Waratahs who fill ten of the 17 forwards positions and five of 13 places in the backs. A further five interstate players are also registered to Sydney clubs in the Tooheys New Shute Shield.
2008 WALLABIES TRI NATIONS SQUAD
Backs: Adam Ashley Cooper (Northern Suburbs, Brumbies), Berrick Barnes (Reds), Luke Burgess (Eastern Suburbs, HSBC 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, HSBC Waratahs), Timana Tahu (West Harbour, HSBC Waratahs), Lote Tuqiri (West Harbour, HSBC Waratahs), Lachie Turner (Eastwood, HSBC Waratahs).
Forwards: Ben Alexander (Northern Suburbs, Brumbies), Al Baxter (Northern Suburbs, HSBC Waratahs), Richard Brown (Force), Matt Dunning (Eastwood, HSBC Waratahs), Rocky Elsom (Randwick, HSBC Waratahs), Adam Freier (Randwick, HSBC Waratahs), James Horwill (Reds), Hugh McMeniman (Reds), Stephen Moore (Reds), Dean Mumm (Sydney University, HSBC Waratahs), Wycliff Palu (Manly, HSBC Waratahs), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Parramatta, HSBC Waratahs), Benn Robinson (Eastwood, HSBC Waratahs), Nathan Sharpe (Force), George Smith (Manly, Brumbies), Phil Waugh (Sydney University, HSBC Waratahs), Dan Vickerman (Sydney University, HSBC Waratahs).