Dual international Lote Tuqiri says rugby officials have erred by leaving Zac Lomax out of Australia A’s side to play the United States and believes fellow code-hopper Mark Nawaqanitawase has shown courage by considering a switch to Italy or Fiji for the World Cup.
“I like the fact he’s got the balls to stand on 10 toes and do what he’s doing,” Tuqiri said of Nawaqanitawase.
If anyone knows how Nawaqanitawase is feeling, it’s Tuqiri.
Tuqiri played three Tests for Fiji in 2000, before switching allegiances to the Kangaroos.
And after a successful stint in rugby union finished in 2009, the winger played another four Tests for the Kangaroos in 2010 before returning to Fiji in 2014.
“There’s a calling for it,” he said.
“I know it’s hard to fathom when you’ve played in a different jersey. It’s more so the pride it gives you; it makes you puff out your chest.
“Whether it’s now, whether it’s down the track, it’s going to happen.”
Nawaqanitawase’s decision not to immediately pledge his allegiance to the Wallabies has caused a stir, including among former players.
“As a proud Wallaby and a proud Australian, I want people that want to play for our country to play for our country,” 103-Test Wallaby Matt Giteau said on the KOKO podcast.
Tuqiri said he understood the mixed sentiment toward Nawaqanitawase’s decision to not yet reveal his intentions.
“He hasn’t made up his mind yet, has he? He should be given the time to do that,” Tuqiri said.
Although Rugby Australia are keen on selecting him for the Wallabies, former coach Joe Schmidt didn’t pick him in mid-2024 after he signed with the Sydney Roosters.
Nawaqanitawase was eventually selected for Australia’s Olympic Sevens side, but the earlier decision to leave him out caused a stir.
Meanwhile, NRL boss Peter V’landys has showered Nawaqanitawase with praise, making it clear he wants to lure him back after his two-year deal with the Wild Knights in Japan.
Tuqiri said he thought Rugby Australia needed to do more to put their arms around players, even when players chose to leave Super Rugby.
“I don’t think we do enough,” he said.
“I reckon he’s probably got a bad taste in his mouth from the last time he put on the rugby jersey. I couldn’t believe when he wasn’t getting picked for the Tahs. I was like, ‘Why is this kid on the bench?’ I know he was young, but I was gobsmacked that he wasn’t in the 23 at times.”
With Nawaqanitawase’s Wallabies future not clear, Tuqiri said he was surprised former NSW Blues Origin flyer Lomax wasn’t more in the frame for the Wallabies.
“You’d think you’d give him a crack,” Tuqiri said. “But just from an outside looking in, just give him a go.”
Lomax, who will join the PNG Chiefs in 2028, was a late addition to the Australia A squad last week but wasn’t picked for the first of two matches starting in Nashville on Sunday against the Eagles.
Instead, Stephen Larkham selected Wallaby Dylan Pietsch and rising Queenslander flyer Tim Ryan on the wing.
Lomax scored twice for the Force across seven matches for the Super Rugby side, but a groin issue kept him out of the frame for the home international season.
Tuqiri said he had been impressed by Lomax’s initial move into the XV-man game and couldn’t understand why he wasn’t starting for Australia A.
“You can’t give away Test jerseys, but Australia A is a mechanism to test players out,” he said. “It’s a development team and this guy’s a part of your development.
“And as every athlete knows, you learn the most on the field, not training. It’s the wins and losses and how you navigate yourself on game day.
“I think you start him on the wing. I don’t think you do a Suaalii (Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii) and put him in 13 or whatever.
“You’ve only got him for 12 months. We’ve got to pick your best team and you’ve got to give him a chance to put his hand up because you know what he can offer.”
Meanwhile, Australia A prop Tom Robertson said the touring party was enjoying the “once in a lifetime opportunity” to play in Nashville, but were eager to impress to push for Test selection, especially with the World Cup less than 12 months away.
“It definitely adds another layer of importance and meaning to the tour,” he said.
The USA will host the 2031 World Cup and World Rugby is intent on bringing as many games to the continent as possible to build momentum.
Asked whether their arrival had been recognised by locals, Robertson, the 39-Test Wallaby, said they had been copping plenty of questions around protection equipment.
“Yeah, definitely. They either say rugby or wrestling when you get in the elevators and going down the streets,” he said.
“Normally there’s a bit of laughter when you tell them it’s rugby not wrestling. They’re getting into their rugby. Nashville’s definitely trying to push the rugby scene here ahead of the World Cup, which is awesome.”
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