'Don't want to rush it': Tupou's sobering reality check as he's set to miss TRC opener - but hints at club rugby return

Taniela Tupou usually operates at a million miles per hour. But the giant tight-head pro won’t rush his return and is set to miss the Wallabies’ first Test of the year against the Springboks in Pretoria on July 8.

Even taking on Michael Cheika’s Pumas in Sydney on July 15 looks a stretch, with the 27-year-old patiently making his way back from a devastating Achilles injury suffered against Ireland in Dublin on November 20.

“I haven’t trained with the team yet,” Tupou told reporters at the unveiling of the Wallabies’ World Cup jersey at Coogee Oval on Thursday.

“I haven’t done eight-on-eight scrum, trained with the team.

“Look, I want to be back on the field as soon as I can. But, then again, it’s a big injury. Achilles, I don’t want to rush it.

“I’d love to be a part of the team going to South Africa, but again I can’t be too hard on myself because Eddie hasn’t named his team yet.”

Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou are set to miss the Wallabies’ first Test of the season against the Springboks in Pretoria but are likely to feature prominently at the World Cup. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

With the two-Test Bledisloe series to start on July 30, Tupou quipped that he could make his return via club rugby and even pull on the famous green Randwick jersey to help bolster his bid to play at a second World Cup.

“I’m coming back and playing for Randwick because Eddie said if you play for Randwick that’s your ticket to the World Cup,” he said.

“Whatever it takes. If I have to sleep here on the field, I will.”

Tupou, who plays for Brothers in Queensland’s Hospital Cup, was likely only half joking about the possibility of playing club rugby for Jones’ former club.

The Wallabies have been based in Coogee this week and Rugby Australia’s headquarters are just a couple of blocks inland up Bondi Road.

Randwick first-grade head coach and 2007 World Cup loose-forward Stephen Hoiles said they would welcome Tupou with open-arms if it could help his bid to play in France later this year.

“We’d love Taniela to play for Randwick,” Hoiles told The Roar.

“We’ll do anything to assist with his return if it’ll help with his recovery ahead of the World Cup.”

Taniela Tupou speaks at a Wallabies gala dinner hosted by MJ Bale. Photo credit: MJ Bale

He’s not the only prop on the comeback trail either, with front-row partner Angus Bell nearing his return from a toe-injury suffered on the opening weekend of this year’s Super Rugby competition in February.

There was talk the 22-year-old could line up for Sydney University this weekend, but The Roar understands that won’t occur. Hooker Folau Fainga’a, however, looks set to run out for the Students in a pointer that he could miss selection Jones’ Rugby Championship squad, which will be named on Sunday.

Earlier this month, Tupou informed an audience at an MJ Bale function at Allianz Stadium that Jones had told the Rebels-bound prop that he wanted him fit for the Springboks opener.

But Jones is also cognisant he doesn’t want to risk Tupou’s return, with the Wallabies coach recently saying the tight-head prop has the potential to be one of five world-class players in the current side.

Tupou’s importance to the Wallabies can’t be overstated.

While the Wallabies have the impressive, hard-working Allan Alaalatoa, who could well wear the No.3 jersey ahead of Tupou even when his teammate returns and is a candidate to captain the side, the returning Queensland prop could develop into the most destructive and explosive prop in the world.

Indeed, new Wallabies forwards coach Neal Hatley, who will oversee the side’s scrum, said Tupou had made strong progress and possessed qualities that were rare.

“He can make a big difference. For a big man, he’s explosive and those are the ones that can cause you problems,” Hatley said.

“I’ve got to be honest, I’ve coached probably a lot more against someone like an Al Alaalatoa, and I think he’s outstanding on his day. He’s up there to be one of the best tightheads in the world.

“Taniela’s got work to do, but I think we’re in a good position with the other blokes.  But yeah, his explosive ability is what sets him apart.”

Taniela Tupou can become the most destructive prop in the world. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Tupou said he had done everything he can physically to put himself in a position to take part in The Rugby Championship, but admitted until he returns to the field he won’t know how he’s faring.

“Mate, it was tough at the start because I did it trying to take off,” he said.

“Coming back, starting to run, it’s all in my head. The Achilles is strong. I’ve done everything. I’ve lifted heavy than ever, but it still plays with the head. I feel good, but I know I’ll struggle when I get back and train with the team.”