Rugby: Deans axes Tuqiri

Wallabies winger Lote Tuqiri has missed selection for the Barbarians match on Saturday. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Wallabies rugby coach Robbie Deans stayed true to his promise of form over reputation as one of his highest-paid stars Lote Tuqiri missed the squad to face the Barbarians on Saturday.

The 67-test, 30-try winger was the notable omission from Deans' first team of 2009 which included just one uncapped player - Western Force blindside flanker Matt Hodgson.

Tuqiri was named in Deans' 29-man squad last week but was missing from the 22 altogether yesterday, with his Waratahs teammate Lachie Turner and the Force's Drew Mitchell preferred on the wings, and versatile youngster James O'Connor providing bench cover.

An irked Deans, who this week marked a year in the Wallabies' job, was at pains to play down Tuqiri's exclusion.

But having warned in recent weeks that no places were guaranteed, it placed a cloud over Tuqiri's immediate future with injured Reds winger Peter Hynes still to return.

"They've all got different skill sets. Lote's played some good rugby and he hasn't had a lot of opportunities to be fair," Deans said.

"He hasn't been served particularly well. We hope to serve our wings well, and when he gets his opportunity that he's on the end of that.

"He has looked for work and defended really well. He's been the most impressive in terms of his defence."

Tuqiri is on a reported A$600,000 per season with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) until the end of 2011.

Said Deans: "That's totally irrelevant. I'm not familiar and not interested really in terms of what blokes get for playing."

Sydney's Daily Telegraph predicted Tuqiri would be axed after a quiet season for the Waratahs, who eschewed an expansive style, and a lack of versatility.

In a stats comparison, he scored just two Super 14 tries in 2009 (five in 2008), ran for 706m (1110m in 2008), made 23 tackle busts (67 in 2008) and four linebreaks (10 in 2008).

Otherwise Dean's side was close to full strength, with Hodgson preferred at No 6 ahead of the Waratahs' Dean Mumm due to his excellent Super 14 form.

He will partner Force teammate Richard Brown and veteran George Smith in the loose forward trio, up against their compatriots Rocky Elsom and Phil Waugh in the Barbarians.

Adam Ashley-Cooper retained the fullback role he filled for most of last season ahead of teenager O'Connor who is tipped as the next big thing in Australian rugby.

Captain Stirling Mortlock, who will likely oppose Kiwis league convert Sonny Bill Williams at centre, teams up with Berrick Barnes outside pivot Matt Giteau.

In the forward pack, James Horwill returns to lock after missing last year's tour with a foot-ligament injury.

Deans said the strength of the lineup reflected respect for the Barbarians and a desire to hit the ground running as the test season looms.

"It's a high quality lineup we are up against. This will be a test match in everything but name."

Wallabies
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Lachie Turner, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Richard Brown, George Smith, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.

Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander, Dean Mumm, David Pocock, Josh Valentine, Quade Cooper, James O'Connor.

- NZPA