Rugby: Deans considering Tuqiri

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans agrees banished winger Lote Tuqiri is too big a weapon not to be considered for Australia's assault on the Tri Nations series.

Tuqiri was the only fit member of the Wallabies' 30-man squad not used during the four June internationals against the Barbarians, Italy and France, prompting former Test selector Tim Horan to question Deans' thinking.

Horan said Deans must find room for the 67-Test veteran in his 22-man match-day squad for Australia's Bledisloe Cup clashes with the All Blacks in particular this season.

Deans said today he understood where Horan was coming from.

"Size does matter. Everything matters, and without a doubt that one of Lote's assets is his presence," Deans said.

"He is strong and he does intimidate. When you're standing opposite him (on the field), I imagine it's quite a daunting sight. I haven't had that experience."

Deans, though, once again refused to guarantee Tuqiri any Test time soon.

"But he's working hard," the coach said. "You can see that in his (Sydney club) games.

"So he's going to get better and better and I've indicated to him that he's going to get an opportunity - with the caveat that he continues to work at what he's doing.

"Obviously when that is we don't know, but he's shown that he's got a will and a want and that's always the critical thing - how players respond to the challenges that they're presented with."

Deans will announce his Tri Nations squad on Thursday.

- AAP