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Tongan Thor to debut as Cheika names Wallabies team versus Scotland

Expert
23rd November, 2017
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Taniela Tupou's scrummaging has been excellent in 2018, but he couldn't get going against the Stormers thanks to some questionable refereeing. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Expert
23rd November, 2017
130
3505 Reads

Taniela “Tongan Thor” Tupou will debut for the Wallabies off the bench against Scotland in Australia’s final Test match of the year.

“I’m lost for words, I actually don’t know what to say,” Tupou said.

“I was in tears actually. The first thing that came to my mind was my family.

“Growing up in Tonga as a young kid, all I wanted to do was to play for Australia one day and now I can do that this weekend.

“I just wish my family was here. I know my team will have my back, so can’t wait.”

Tupou said his desire to play for Australia had never wavered.

“I grew up in Tonga, always watching the Wallabies, watching guys like ‘Squeak’ (Stephen Moore), Sekope Kepu and Taf (Polota-Nau).

“I was always wanting to play for Australia, even I went to New Zealand, I was lucky enough to get a scholarship… but it didn’t change me.

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“It didn’t change for me, wanting to play for Australia and I’m grateful and I can’t wait to get out there and play on Saturday.”

It will also be the last Test match of Stephen Moore’s career, and he has been named to start at No.2 in his 129th and final appearance.

Lukhan Tui is set to make his return from injury off the bench, after missing the previous three Tests.

Wallabies team versus Scotland

1. Scott Sio (42 Tests)
2. Stephen Moore (128 Tests)
3. Sekope Kepu (90 Tests)
4. Rob Simmons (81 Tests)
5. Blake Enever (1 Test)
6. Ben McCalman (52 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (78 Tests)
8. Sean McMahon (25 Tests)
9. Will Genia (vc) (87 Tests)
10. Bernard Foley (vc) (54 Tests)
11. Reece Hodge (23 Tests)
12. Samu Kerevi (17 Tests)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (57 Tests)
14. Marika Koroibete (7 Tests)
15. Kurtley Beale (70 Tests)

Reserves
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau (81 Tests)
17. Tetera Faulkner (3 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou*
19. Lukhan Tui (3 Tests)
20. Lopeti Timani (11 Tests)
21. Nick Phipps (61 Tests)
22. Karmichael Hunt (5 Tests)
23. Henry Speight (18 Tests)

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