Timana Ready to Step Up

Timana Tahu set to make his run-on debut?

Qantas Wallabies centre Timana Tahu says he is primed and ready to go, should Head Coach Robbie Deans select him in the starting centres for the Test against South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Tahu came into Deans’ calculations after regular inside centre Berrick Barnes injured his shoulder in the opening minutes of a rugged Test in Durban last weekend and has returned to Australia.

Recent training sessions have seen Robbie Deans working intensely with the dual international in a bid to prepare him for one of the most intimidating Test cauldrons in world Rugby.

Despite the pressure, Tahu says he is ready to take his chance.

"I've been preparing all season for this moment, and if it comes up I'll be delighted," he said. "It was a frustrating few months during the Super 14 but Robbie knew where I was suited, and that No.12 was my best position. Robbie gives a lot of players confidence, and makes us believe in ourselves.

"If you have a positive coach around, you really want to play for him. It is a good environment at the moment, and everyone wants to play for each other.

"Getting to know the game playing in different positions has been hard, but I think I'm up to scratch now.

"So if it does come to a situation on Saturday where I do start, the team and Robbie will have confidence in me, and I'll have confidence in myself. It is also a lot better playing with the Wallabies, and because you are playing with the best it makes your job so much easier."

The Qantas Wallabies will name their team on Thursday evening (Australian time), as they chase their first back-to-back victories in the Republic since 1963. Log on to Rugby.com.au for all the team news from 9pm Thursday (AEST).