Naiyaravoro leaves Tigers for Waratahs

The NSW Waratahs have recruited a 120 kilo winger from the Wests Tigers who, besides having the speed and power required to score Jonah Lomu-like tries, was blessed with the ice-cool nerves and safe hands  needed to deliver a baby.

Imposing 23-year-old Yasawa Islander and Fiji born Taqele Naiyaravoro, who stands 190cm tall and was linked to Cronulla and Canberra before he accepted the Waratah's offer, was recruited by the Wests Tigers from New Zealand two years ago where he played union after a Kiwi talent scout spotted him starring for his school team in Suva.

Naiyaravoro, who had terrorised his opponents in the NRL's second-tier NSW Cup competition, faced fierce competition for a spot on the Wests Tigers wing behind Pat Richards, David Nofoaluma and Marika Koroibete. The club gave him an immediate release on Wednesday to try to break into the Super 15 – a challenge Naiyaravoro will start when he turns up to his first training session on Thursday.

Waratahs winger Matt Carraro was confident another young Naiyaravoro, would receive more support than Nemani Nadolo got at the Waratahs.

Carraro said. “With the coaches who are here I think he can do it a lot faster (than Nadolo). Michael Cheika has a great rugby brain. You’ve got Daryl Gibson … and Nathan Grey as well.

“They are all still quite young and active and can get in at training and show him what needs to be done.”

Osborne for All Blacks?

Shuffling through the airport, his leg In a moon boot, he showed height and strength. He has just got off the long dreaded long flight from their South African Super 15 leg but looked perky - 'Bula' he uttered.

He is so humble to stop and speak to a fellow Fijian. That despite a long journey and a damaged ankle. That pretty much summarises Patrick Osborne - former Victorian.

He might just get a chance to play for the All Blacks in this 2014 test windowand I hope he does as he really deserves it. 

This from the Highlanders.

Osborne, who turns 27 on Saturday, trained with the All Blacks over the past couple of days and it was not simply to make up the numbers.

All Black assistant coach Ian Foster said Osborne was added to the squad for the coaching team to study him and as a possible option to play.

With Charles Piutau out because of a knee injury for a couple of months at least, and Julian Savea also struggling with a knee complaint there was a vacancy for a big strong winger.

''We had a couple of dings out there, a bit of uncertainty with Jules [Savea] and Izzy [fullback Israel Dagg],'' Foster said.

''In our mind we are pretty happy with what Patrick has shown in the last month. We will have a look at making a decision later in the week if we need a replacement or not.''

Local players sometimes join the All Black squad for a couple of days to make up the numbers but Osborne is more than that.

''He is a big strong winger. He has just shown some really nice stuff in the last month, He's shown a lot of power, been good under the high ball, improved on his defence. His instincts near the goal line are pretty good.''

With Ben Smith and Cory Jane starting on the wings last week, the side lacked a bit of size on the flanks but Foster was not faulting the duo.

''I think when you look at Ben and Cory last week we were pretty happy with what they did. It was just a lack of opportunity.

"That was our weakness in our game. If Jules gets banged up, Charles Piutau out, we do like to have a power option.''