Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has admitted he was shocked to get called back up to the international set-up as he had no contact with head coach Michael Cheika.
The 89-capped Aussie, who is well known for his scrummaging is in line for selection when his side face Argentina this Saturday but confirmed things could have been very different.
“I am quite shocked to be back here. I was in good stead with the (Premiership Rugby club) Leicester preseason and all of a sudden my phone rings. Little did I know Michael Cheika got my UK number – I never gave it to him, didn’t want to, but somehow he got it. He asked if I’d come along and I said ‘sure why not, I’ll give it one last crack’,” he said.
The 33-year-old thought he had finished up his international career last year and was disappointed with how it ended. However, he has since undergone knee surgery and believes he could earn a place on the plane to Japan for the Rugby World Cup.
“It ended with a sour note last season … I sort of thought it was my last with the Wallabies. I didn’t have the stamina I used to have, but that’s because my preparation wasn’t the best. It’s from my end just to see if I’ve still got it … give these guys (younger hookers) a run for their money,” he added.
At the moment in-form Folau Fainga’a is the first-choice hooker for the Wallabies, but Polota-Nau would be an experienced back-up to have.
The Wallabies take on Argentina this Saturday having lost to South Africa 35-17 last weekend and are in need of a morale boosting win.
However, despite some poor showings of late the Wallabies are unbeaten in their last five test matches in Brisbane and Polota-Nau will be hoping to not only get a chance to prove himself once more but to lead Aussie revival from the front too.
