Tahu has the last laugh
Timana Tahu will make a much-hyped Australia debut against New Zealand on Saturday – less than 18 months after being rejected by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).
Timana Tahu will make a much-hyped Australia debut against New Zealand on Saturday – less than 18 months after being rejected by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).
While fellow Rugby League convert Ryan Cross's selection was widely forecast following Wallaby skipper Stirling Mortlock's head knock from last weekend, the promotion of Tahu to the Wallabies' matchday 22 has captured the most attention on both sides of the Tasman.
In blistering form for Australia A in recent weeks, Tahu's elevation came as no instant surprise.
But the 28-year-old's confession this month that the NZRU had snubbed him before he switched codes last season is expected to be another sticking point amongst All Blacks fans already disappointed about Graham Henry's reappointment as coach ahead of Robbie Deans.
It was certainly new Wallabies coach Deans and Tahu having the last laugh.
“It was early last year and I was going to go to the Crusaders and Robbie told me to go and check with the New Zealand Rugby Union but they didn't want me at the time. They weren't interested,” Tahu told AAP.
“The next thing was to try and find somewhere where I could play rugby and Australia (the Australian Rugby Union) and Waratahs came up to the table and I'm happy because I'm here now playing for the Wallabies.”
If he debuts at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Tahu will join Wallabies team-mate Lote Tuqiri as a dual international, and become the fourth member of the Australian back-line to have come from the National Rugby League (NRL) – along with Cross and his centre partner Berrick Barnes.
“It's come a bit quicker than I thought,” admitted Tahu, who was limited to just three Super 14 starting appearances with the Waratahs due to a chronic hamstring injury.
“I was expecting to go back to local rugby after the Super 14 campaign, going back to the (West Harbour) Pirates.
“Just to make the Australian A side was a huge honour. To make the Wallabies 22, I'm very excited and I can't wait for Saturday night.
“Everyone hates each other at this time of year, but it's a big game and I like big games.”
After being used on the wing and at outside centre for the Waratahs, Tahu proved a revelation at inside centre for Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup.
Deans, though, said the former New South Wales State of Origin and Kangaroo Test utility back “could end up anywhere, depending on how things unfold” against the All Blacks.