Share

No Fiji reprieve for Wallaby discard

Suva - Fiji coach John McKee on Monday ruled out giving Taqele Naiyaravoro a last-minute Rugby World Cup call-up after the blockbusting winger failed to make Australia's squad for the tournament.

McKee said he would consider selecting Fiji-born Naiyaravoro down the track but would not disrupt planning for next month's event in England to accommodate him.

"Taqele is certainly back on my radar for the future," McKee said.

"Just because Taqele was effectively not available for us in this World Cup, doesn't mean we won't select him for the future... (but) I'm very happy with the wings we've named."

At 1.94 metres tall and weighing 123 kg, Naiyaravoro's combination of speed and power has been compared to Jonah Lomu.

The 23 year-old was included in the Wallabies extended World Cup squad after strong Super 15 form for the NSW Waratahs.

But he failed to make Australia's 31-man squad named last week after confirming he was taking up a contract with Celtic League champions Glasgow Warriors.

Ninth-ranked Fiji are in the so-called pool of death at the World Cup, with England, Australia and Wales.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
50% - 5 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
50% - 5 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE