Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

'Because in World Cups, set pieces are important.' - Tupou's growing pains as Australia's future anchor

By Online Editors
Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

A man his size is used to having it all his own way, so Taniela Tupou’s 2019 Super Rugby frustrations have been a blessing if you ask his coach Brad Thorn.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rookie of the year in 2018, Super Rugby appeared a simple transition for ‘Tongan Thor’, whose legend was born when a social media highlight reel went viral five years ago.

The march continued with a Wallabies debut but finally the Queensland Reds prop – listed at 135kg and boasting surprising speed and guile – has encountered his first hurdle.

“It was frustrating for him earlier in the year, frustrations for sure,” former All Black Thorn said of the 23-year-old ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Waratahs.

“He just felt he was getting some decisions against him at scrum time.

“I had a chat to him the other day, he really had a look at how he was preparing on the training pitch but also off the field.

“It gave him the time to grow his character, it was a bit of a challenge for him.”

Tupou has conceded four free kicks at scrum time – the most in the competition – and eight penalties, the equal second highest number behind Crusaders and All Black prop Joe Moody (10).

Thorn is among the most decorated footballers on the planet and, eyeing an unlikely finals berth with the Reds this season, he thinks Tupou’s trying times might be just what was needed.

ADVERTISEMENT

“As a young player you don’t just want it to be all easy and smooth the whole way,” he said.

“If you don’t develop character and some steel, go through some times where you have to re-adjust (it can be to your detriment).

“You’ve got to put that hard work in.

“I don’t think it’s been a bad thing and he’s stronger for it and happy.”

Contracted to Rugby Australia until the end of 2020, Tupou is reportedly in discussions to extend that deal through to the 2023 World Cup in France.

Rival prop Sekope Kepu’s move to London Irish next year adds further value to Tupou’s signature, not that you need to convince Thorn of that.

ADVERTISEMENT

“If he’s harnessing all that he has and is disciplined and has that focus and form it’s a good prospect for a national coach to have,” Thorn said.

“Because in World Cups, set pieces are important.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

T
Trevor 30 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

21 Go to comments
B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Louis Rees-Zammit signs for Roc Nation ahead of his Kansas visit Louis Rees-Zammit signs for Roc Nation ahead of his Kansas visit
Search