Tuqiri may sit out rest of the season September 22, 2008
Fijian Lote Tuqiri is in brackets for the Australian Wallabies’ tour of Hong Kong and Europe to be announced tomorrow.
The Namatakula native is suffering from a knee injury after Australia lost the Tri-Nations Trophy to New Zealand last week.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said the prospect of naming a 34-player squad was being considered by the selectors, the Australian Rugby Union and himself.
However, Deans stressed that the final squad number of 33 or 34 players would also hinge on winger Tuqiri's availability after last week's knee operation.
"We have had some discussions around taking 34. Part of that is going to revolve around Lote and his fitness. If he is not fit and can't tour well, we will take 33," he added.
Deans would not say whether a forward or back would get the spare ticket, but indications are that it would be a back to cover for Tuqiri - even if he does make the tour.
An ideal option would have been Western Force back Cameron Shepherd, who broke his leg in the France Test on July 5, and is still some way off from full fitness.
Another option is Waratahs utility back Sam Norton-Knight who can play at five-eighth, inside-centre, on the wing or at fullback and has played in the Australia A program.
Otherwise, Deans could look at Western Force winger Digby Ioane, with whom he has worked, or even Brumbies outside back Mark Gerrard.
Deans is expected to keep most of the 30-player Wallabies Tri Nations squad.
He also expects Waratahs No. 8 Wycliff Palu to tour, despite injuring his knee in the Tri Nations decider against the All Blacks in Brisbane. Fijilive
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