Wallabies coach Michael Chika confirmed Taqele Naiyaravoro didn’t have torn allegiances before selection

MICHAEL Cheika said his selection of Taqele Naiyaravoro for a Wallabies debut on Sunday morning was only made when he got the green light from one man: Taqele Naiyaravoro.

World XV player Taqele Naiyaravoro (L) is tackled by Japan's Kotaro Matsushima (R) during their rugby match at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo on August 15, 2015. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI

MICHAEL Cheika said his selection of Taqele Naiyaravoro for a Wallabies debut on Sunday morning was only made when he got the green light from one man: Taqele Naiyaravoro.

The giant 124kg Waratahs winger was rewarded for dominant Super Rugby form and a strong performance for the World XV last month by being picked on the bench for the Wallabies clash against the USA at Soldier Field.

The prospect of Naiyaravoro’s selection was contentious, however, with the big Fijian set to depart for Glasgow next season and his capacity to play for Australia again highly uncertain.

Fiji coach John McKee said recently he hoped the Wallabies wouldn’t cost Naiyaravoro by picking him for one Test, claiming his eligibility and denying him the chance to play Test rugby for his home country ever again.

But Cheika said when he was considering selecting Naiyaravoro, he spoke to the Fijian giant about where his heart lay. It was Australia.

“There is no way I would have selected him to play for Australia if he didn’t want to play for Australia. There is no way I am going to try to get someone so he can’t play for someone else,” Cheika said.

“That’s not my go. I wouldn’t do it to the person, and Taqele is a lovely guy. He’s been excellent since he came across from rugby league, and he is so happy he got selected.

“There is no way I would have done it unless he said to me categorically he wanted to play for Australia. He loves Australia. His kid was born there and he sees himself as an Australian.”

Despite reports a Test cap could scuttle Naiyaravoro’s deal with Glasgow, Cheika confirmed the winger would be heading to Scotland but added he believes he will return and continue pursuing more Wallabies caps.

Naiyaravoro has a three-year deal but it is understood that he may be back as soon as 2017, pending contractual negotiations.

The Wallabies’ other potential debutant against the USA is also overseas-raised: Kiwi prop Toby Smith.

The loosehead prop was born in Australia but grew up in New Zealand and played for the Chiefs in two Super Rugby title winning sides in 2012-13, before moving to the Melbourne Rebels to pursue a Test career.

Smith is set to take the first step in Chicago, and it will be a highlight topping all that has gone before in his career, the 26-year-old said.

“It will definitely top Super Rugby titles, to pull on a Wallabies jersey,” Smith said.

“The last couple of years have been a bit of a journey for me coming to Melbourne. I am really excited about being in the team this week.

“It’s obviously one thing to be picked in the World Cup squad but now to have this opportunity to pull on the jersey is very special and I can’t wait until Saturday night.

“Making a Test debut in Chicago of all places, I definitely didn’t think it would happen here.”

Originally published as Wallabies coach Michael Chika confirmed Taqele Naiyaravoro didn’t have torn allegiances before selection