It takes a certain type of rugby fan to get revved up about a prop making his first start for his country.
But Taniela Tupou is a special type of front-rower, a hulking forward that doesn’t lumber as you’d expect a 130kg frame to lumber.
He’s been named to make his run-on debut for the Wallabies against the Springboks in Port Elizabeth this Saturday night after six Tests coming off the bench.
A typically bullocking ‘Tongan Thor’ is what Australian rugby could do with right now.
Most importantly, his explosive charges and scrum power can hopefully spark the Wallabies to a run of sorely-needed Test wins. But his eye-catching bursts and power surges also have the potential to get Australian rugby fans finally feeling upbeat a year out from the next World Cup.
For the Wallabies have lacked physically dominant bruisers for a while, and hopefully Tupou is the man to consistently jolt his teammates into action.
Taniela Tupou of the Wallabies (second right) celebrates winning a penalty. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
It would’ve been hoped someone like Taqele Naiyaravoro, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, Will Skelton or even Sean McMahon or Tolu Latu would develop into that Wallabies player that could get Australia on the front foot in tight with the ball or provide defensive aggression and intimidation.
They’ve been either injured, ineffective or overseas and failed to make a significant and consistent impact.
Adam Coleman and Rory Arnold showed glimpses of being that enforcer but they haven’t filled the role often enough.
Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock often set the physical standard for the Kiwis, as do the Boks second-rowers Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert.
All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo, Boks hooker Malcolm Marx and England No.8 Mako Vunipola are a few others that come to mind when asked to pinpoint powerhouse international players that can ignite their teams when often little is on.
Of course it’s misguided and far-fetched to think Tupou’s going to shred tackles against South Africa and the other top nations like he does in one of his viral high-school YouTube clips.
However, he’s proved at Super Rugby level that his power and fast feet can make fools of some quality defenders.
Tupou’s scrummaging is another reason to feel positive about his starting inclusion. He’s proven himself to be very effective at scrum time for Queensland and the set piece has been an issue for the Wallabies again recently.
Taniela Tupou playing for the Reds. (Credit: Sportography/QRU)
There’s hardly anything more infuriating for a Wallabies fan than admiring their discipline and aggression in defence over 15 phases, forcing a dropped ball, but then witnessing a scrum fold and a penalty conceded.
Tupou will hopefully ensure the Wallabies can at least hold firm at scrum time.
He’ll face a massive task at Nelson Mandela Stadium, packing down against South Africa’s veteran loosehead prop Tendai Mtawarira, who has been recalled to their starting line-up.
Tupou was solid up against ‘Beast’ Mtawarira in Brisbane earlier this month when they both came off the bench in Australia’s only Rugby Championship win this year.
Tupou’s progression will be intriguing to watch. Since the Wallabies made the 2015 World Cup final, few have come through the so-called professional pathways to stamp themselves as top-drawer Test players.
Reece Hodge, Dane Haylett-Petty and Coleman have been the pick of the next wave, but still the Wallabies are relying heavily on the core that were part of the decider: David Pocock, Will Genia, Michael Hooper, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley.
The All Blacks, England and Springboks have in the same time brought through a good chunk of young talent that have matured to become elite internationals. Hopefully Tupou continues on his trajectory to become a fully-fledged Wallabies enforcer and entertainer.
Crackhitler
Guest
Tupou is nothing but a donut eating keg on legs He hasnt done jack against any international side except barely hold up a scrum. If you cut him open im sure vanilla filling and rasberry would ooze out
jameswm
Roar Guru
Peter didn’t know, commiserations mate. Hope the coast is treating you well.
Connor33
Guest
Beale to have a blinder tomorrow. He’s due and beat the Bok at Bloemfontein back in the day when Deans was at his peak.
Wally
Guest
The whole thing is just rotten to the core, inept admin, biase in selections, poor onfield decisions, low morale, poor coaching, planning, fitness. Fair dinkum, what has happened to Rugby 10 years post professionism. Switch that banking inquiry once done, to Rugby Australia, or Australian sport in general!
Wally
Guest
Drink Cheika’s cool aid and you are in the team. Make any waves and you can join Higgers or Gill. I suspect Hanigan is mixing the cool aid and Cheika just over him for it!
PeterK
Roar Guru
Thanks to everyone for their condolences and best wishes. I do appreciate the comments. My main purpose was to provide clarity on why I have not been as much a prolific poster as was my wont and stillmissit asking how was I going , showing concern was touching.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Cliff - after my dad died I missed him a lot even though we lived in different countries. The big shock was when I woke up one night and thought 'Christ! I haven't spoken to dad for a while' picked up the phone then it all crashed in on me. Still miss the old bastard!
stillmissit
Roar Guru
OOE - yes mate! it comes just after plan Z which we never get to!!!
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Hi Pete, sorry to hear that and understand its a tough time. Pity we can't have some control over the wheel of life? Maybe a big win in SA would give you some small timeout but oh! well - you know...
Brizvegas
Guest
Hey Peter K sorry to hear about your loss wishing you and your family all the best. You have always added value to this site and I enjoy your insight of the game.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Sorry to hear that Peter, condolences and all the best to you and your family for the future.
TimO
Roar Rookie
Tupou getting fitter won't happen with Chieka in charge, cause he is simply not getting the best out of his players. Kepu, Beale, Genia all talented players who gave up $ and came back to Australia to play for Wallabies, and now underperforming. Need a new coaching team, yesterday.
Old One Eye
Guest
There’s a plan A?
Harry Jones
Expert
Good young professional. Not sure if he will overlap with Kitshoff, who’s being platooned to the bench, which sets up a tasty Thor v Beast/Marx scrum battle in the 1H. I suspect Kits will come on early in the 2H.
Gishan De Soyza
Roar Pro
Very sorry to hear that Peter.
Matey
Guest
Are you seriously suggesting that Ned Flanders or Simmons are better than timu? And before we start talking about lineouts, just remember that none of our hookers can even throw a ball straight
double agent
Guest
Great post Freddie!! Agree 100%
double agent
Guest
PeterK my favourite poster on the Roar. Sorry to hear of your loss.
double agent
Guest
The "Beast" once made a run of more than 5 metres about 15 years ago and the fans still love him.
Daveski 2.0
Roar Rookie
Sorry to hear that Peter.... doesn't matter how old you are, parents are important. Look after yourself and whether I agree with you or not it'll be nice to see you back here more regularly down the track.