Connolly considering moving Tuqiri to wing

NEWLY appointed Australia coach John Connolly has hinted at possible positional changes within the Australian squad by that revealing Lote Tuqiri’s future could be on the wing.

Connolly, recently named as Eddie Jones’s successor at the helm of the Wallabies, believes Tuqiri would be of greater use out wide rather than in the midfield, where he played during the team’s disappointing European Tour at the end of last year.

“Outside centre is very much a pigeon-holed position in some ways, in that you can’t chase the ball,” Connolly said.

“I would probably think Lote is a bit more comfortable on the wing.

“With teams not always kicking the ball out, your back three also have to be able to cart it forward,” he added.

“He’s one of the better ball-runners.”

Connolly also suggested versatile five-eighth Matt Giteau could also switch position.

“There’s a view now that the smaller, faster (centre) plays at number 13,” Connolly said. “It’s an interesting argument.”

Connolly has been employed by the Australian Rugby Union with one aim - get the Wallabies into a position to win the 2007 World Cup in France.

Making changes on the field is one way of fixing a once-dominant team that has slumped in recent years, but Connolly believes changing the thought patterns of the players is equally important, saying he is “sick of players who just talk the talk.”

The new coach will get a chance to test his new strategies when South Africa visit Australia in July.