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Tahu a monster in the line
December 30, 2007
TIMANA Tahu can become one of the most fearsome backline defenders in rugby union, after his cross-code switch from league, but his crushing shoulder charge could be a problem in the heat of battle.
That's the early assessment from NSW defensive coach Les Kiss, who said Tahu had the power and technique to "monster" players in defence.
One of rugby league's most gifted attackers, Tahu also rattled plenty of bones in the NRL last season with his jarring shoulder charges.
But the shoulder charge is outlawed in rugby union and Kiss has been working with Tahu to modify his technique. Kiss joked that Tahu might need some Butch James-type training, referring to the South African five-eighth who became notorious for his illegal shoulder charges.
But Tahu has so far impressed Kiss. "He's come in and adapted to it very quickly," Kiss said.
"He hasn't done a tackle yet where he hasn't used his arms, he's been very good.
"I think in the heat of battle, where there's a more full-on environment, there might be some challenges there (restraining from the shoulder charge).
"But it's not like we've had to say 'we better coach that out of him'."
Kiss hinted at a more aggressive "blitz" defence at the Waratahs next season.
The rushing defensive line could suit Tahu, who will play either at 13 or on the wing.
"The type of defence Timana's come from he naturally comes hard forward, he comes from outside in and can smoke guys," Kiss said.
"The fact he goes hard at a man and gets in tight early and wraps his arms, he monsters a few guys. He's certainly got a better natural technique when he gets in tight, so I'm looking forward to that working well for us."
Kiss compared Tahu's defence to that of Wallabies captain and another outside centre, Stirling Mortlock.