Quinn Tupaea’s ‘a few ballers’ take on new Springboks backline

After suffering a 24-17 loss at Eden Park, Rassie Erasmus has wielded the selection axe in his Springbok backline ahead of their second Test against the All Blacks in New Zealand. The Kiwis are adjusting their expectations for the match accordingly.

Midfielder Quinn Tupaea, whose new contract with New Zealand Rugby was announced on Tuesday morning, told reporters in Wellington that the extent of the changes was “a little bit” of a surprise, but acknowledged Erasmus’s history of bold selection calls.

Saturday’s Wellington Test will see Cheslin Kolbe remain as the only back wearing the same jersey he wore in Auckland. Canan Moodie has been shifted from wing to centre, but the rest of the selected starters were either on the bench or the sideline at Eden Park.

“It’s good seeing their team; they got a few ballers in that backline, a few guys that play with confidence and like to move the ball around,” Tupaea said.

“But we’re expecting a lot of the same: using their kicking game well, and big forwards. Just given the backline they’ve named, they might look to play a little bit more.”

He went on to say the team aren’t satisfied with their own performance, and have welcomed a special guest into camp to help prepare for the rematch.

“We need to go to another level this week. There was a lot of emotion, given the occasion, with Ardie and Eden Park.

“We’ve got Richie (McCaw) in camp this week, so drawing a bit of inspiration from him this week and the history there.”

Tupaea said, “It’s pretty crazy” having the former All Blacks captain in camp, and it’s a timely visit as the team looks to reassert the intent and energy of the Eden Park win. He acknowledged that backing up such a high-emotion performance is the challenge his team must meet.

“We’ve spoken about it; it’s hard to get that emotion from last week. But every week, it’s a massive game for the All Blacks; we’re always expected to play well, perform well, especially at home. It’s not hard to get up for these games.”

Tupaea wore the No. 22 jersey in Auckland, entering the contest in the 58th minute and scoring what would prove to be a decisive try in New Zealand’s win. He explained what his job was, coming on in an impact role.

“Reviewing them, knowing how they like to play, they like to cram and bring a lot of linespeed, so just trying to get that space a little bit wider, away from the ruck was a bit of a mindset. It was a pretty frantic last 20 minutes, so I was just trying to add value and not take away from the team.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

17

24

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

60%

The All Blacks have lost the services of two of their starters from Auckland, hooker Codie Taylor (concussion) and winger Emoni Narawa (ribs). After a strong win, it’s unlikely the team will make many changes to their matchday team, but after bringing Leicester Fainga’anuku into camp just last week as an injury replacement for Timoci Tavatavanawai, there’ll be plenty of intrigue over the wing selections.

Tupaea was asked what his impressions of Fainga’anuku have been since his return from a two-season stint at Toulon.

“Probably the size, he’s touching 110 (kg). He said he was playing over there (in France) at like 114 and playing a little bit in the loosies. It’s cool to have him back, good to chat about his time over there and his experiences. But probably just the size of the guy now, he’s massive.”