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Didn't we hear this before the World Cup?? Lote had a huge impact then
Focused Tuqiri set to explode
February 09, 2008
Focused Tuqiri set to explode - Rugby - Fox Sports
A LETHAL new Lote Tuqiri is set to finally be unleashed by the Waratahs in the first round of the Super 14 against the Hurricanes.
Coach Ewen McKenzie is confident his star winger will be available for the game at the SFS and there are no concerns he has missed the team's three trial wins.
"He has done a really good job in the off-season, he is such a different player from last year because he was distracted with contract stuff," McKenzie said.
"This year he is very football focussed and has been in really good form at training."
McKenzie revealed that besides squad training, Tuqiri has also been doing extra sessions to boost his fitness.
Tuqiri's return will be a big bonus for the Waratahs, with rising back Lachie Turner describing his presence as "massive".
"Any team with Lote in it I think is a much better side, he just gives such a confidence boost to everybody," Turner said.
"If Lote is playing then it usually takes two guys to stop him and that means there is somebody else somewhere on the field who is unmarked.
"I benefited a lot from that last year, without him on the field I'm sure I would have had a different season."
And Turner said he is really looking forward to seeing Tuqiri running around under the laws introduced into the Super 14 this year.
With Sam Norton-Knight still recovering from a thigh injury, Turner will be named fullback for the Hurricanes game. McKenzie said Turners' strategic game in Thursday's trial win over the Crusaders, particularly his tactical kicking, was outstanding.
"He did the right things at the right time, for a young guy he has done well," McKenzie said.
Big signing Timanu Tahu may not start at outside centre and is a candidate for the vacant wing spot along with Alfi Mafi, Matt Carraro and Ben Jacobs.
Tom Carter, Sam Harris and Jacobs are jostling for No.12, but Harris could continue in his successful role as replacement five-eighth for Kurtley Beale.
"I think Sam Harris has done a good job adding impact particularly in the second half because he has a very good running game too, so he changes the way the game can be played for us," McKenzie said.
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if he indulges in several large helpings of extra hot vindaloo and washes it down with VB!
CHEERLEADERS ROCK!!! 
Originally Posted by innocent quokka
