Tuqiri eyes Perth return
Australia winger Lote Tuqiri remains on track for the Wallabies' opening Tri-Nations clash against South Africa in Perth on July 19 after injuring his knee in the Test series against France.
Australia winger Lote Tuqiri remains on track for the Wallabies' opening Tri-Nations clash against South Africa in Perth on July 19 after injuring his knee in the Test series against France.
The Waratahs star was forced to miss the second international in Brisbane last weekend which saw his team-mates wrap up the two-Test series with a 40-10 win, but appeared untroubled throughout his first full session back with the Wallabies' squad on Thursday.
The electrifying winger looks set to make a full recovery and get back in the Test saddle following his unexpected knock that could have kept him out for longer.
“I was trying to pull out of a tackle and one of the French guys had a hold of my ankle and I got pushed in a different direction from the way I was going,” Tuqiri told Sportal.
“I went in a different direction to my leg and just sort of strained one of the ligaments in there and that didn't help with the PCL (posterior-cruciate ligament) on the other side (of his knee) not being there.”
“I lost my PCL during the year in Super 14 and it seemed alright but there was just a bit of looseness. There was a bit of crap built up from a bit of fluid as well that didn't help.
“It was just (a matter of) getting that out of the joint and everything else and letting it settle down properly and it's done that.
“And hopefully I can put myself available for selection next week and hopefully play in the Test match.”
And while confident of a swift return against the Springboks, the 60-Test veteran admits the timing of the injury was unfortunate given his strong form in recent times.
“I was pretty happy with how the season went with the Waratahs and not being able to keep that going (was disappointing),” he said.
“Obviously missing the game last week was major but hopefully I can keep the performances and I guess the consistency of that going after missing out on one game.
In Tuqiri's absence, fellow Waratahs team-mate Lachie Turner earned his Test debut and is among a host of players clambering for an opportunity on either wing.
But rather than look over his shoulder, Tuqiri welcomed the arrival of new blood such as Turner and fellow Rugby League convert Timana Tahu.
“It's just great for Australian rugby and I guess great for me because you always pick up a few different things from guys coming in and you know you don't want to get stilted into just playing one style all the time,” said Tuqiri.
“If you pick up a few things here and there it's good for that experience.”