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Force fights for recruit
Wayne Smith | February 11, 2008
IT is not just whaling that's straining the Australia-Japan relationship. Western Force backrower Tamaiti Horua is caught in a tug-of-war between the two countries.
The Force embarks tomorrow for its three-match tour of South Africa and wants to take new recruit Horua. Chances are he would not be selected for the opening match against the Sharks in Durban on Friday or the second fixture against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein because of a concussion sustained while playing for Toyota Verblitz in the Japan Top League, but the Force is keen to integrate him into the squad as quickly as possible.
The 26-year-old remains under contract to Toyota which next weekend will meet Suntory in the Top League semi-final. "We're still waiting for his release to come through," a Force spokesman said yesterday.
Horua possibly excluded, the Force will leave behind only two of its established stars, with James Hilgendorf (hamstring) and Junior Pelesasa (knee) injured.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...012430,00.html