Australia's Rugby World Cup player Lote Tuqiri. Photo / Reuters
BORDEAUX - Australia wing Lote Tuqiri hopes a cameo appearance in the centres will end a World Cup try-scoring drought that has brought him no end of ribbing from his team mates.
A deadly finisher, Tuqiri had scored 27 tries in 53 appearances for the Wallabies before the
World Cup, placing him fourth on Australia's list of all-time scorers.
But, while the Wallabies have run in 24 tries in their three tournament matches, Tuqiri has failed to cross the line even once and he has been receiving some gentle teasing from some of his colleagues.
"I've been reminding him that he hasn't got over the line yet," Matt Giteau, who has already scored three tries in the tournament, told reporters.
"I still think Lote's playing some good rugby even though he's not scoring. He's making a lot of line breaks, he's creating some things for us.
"I don't think anyone's too worried, especially Lote, about his form."
Fijian-born Tuqiri, 28, admits to feeling some pressure, but insists it is all just fun.
"I don't want to think about scoring tries. It's probably more you guys (media) asking me these questions and putting the pressure on me," he said.
"I've said that if the team's going all right and we're winning, I don't really mind if I we win the World Cup without me scoring, that will be sweet.
"It's always nice to get a try but something is around the corner."
Although Tuqiri normally plays on the right wing, a spate of injuries to Australia's backs has prompted a switch to outside centre for Saturday's final Pool B match against Canada.
He has also been promoted to vice-captain and stand-in skipper George Smith believes the positional switch and extra responsibility could help end his drought.
"He's played there well before for Australia," Smith said. "I'm sure he'll demand more ball from that position and he's a player who loves to get the ball in his hands and create opportunities for his outside backs so I'm sure he'll revel in that job."
- REUTERS
