Taniela Tupou on Wallabies’ try-scoring history, France and Eddie Jones

TOWNSVILLE: New Zealand’s NPC celebrated ‘Front Row Round’ this week, recognising the hookers and props who have contributed to provincial rugby over 50 years. Without knowing that was happening across the ditch, Wallaby Taniela Tupou did all front-rowers proud on Saturday.

Tupou hadn’t scored in consecutive games since April 2021, when the world-renowned tighthead was suiting up for the Queensland Reds. The now 72-Test prop rewrote the script with a memorable double on Saturday, playing a leading role in a 56-17 win over Japan.

The Wallabies had beaten the same opponent a week earlier in Osaka, with Tupou touching down as the visitors prevailed 35-32. Josh Nasser crossed for the opening try in Townsville, burrowing over for the first points in the sixth minute.

But what happened next, it was a feat not seen in more than three decades. Tupou powered over for a first-half double at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, and Angus Bell was next to strike – marking just the second time ever all Wallabies starting front-rowers had scored in the same Test.

Wallabies debutant Massimo De Lutiis and replacement hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa claimed five-pointers as well, with former All Black turned Wallaby Aidan Ross the only front-rower who didn’t score for the Wallabies.

“We need some love, man. We don’t get love at all,” Tupou told RugbyPass and Rugby.com.au post-game, after being told about the ‘Front Row Round’ in New Zealand.

Tupou scored two doubles during the 2025/26 Top 14 season with Racing 92, which included a memorable debut for the Parisian club against Montauban on December 27. It’s the first time the tighthead has played overseas, following stints with a few Super Rugby clubs.

‘The Tongan Thor’ earned that nickname while playing for the Sacred Heart College First XV in Auckland, with the prop’s highlight reels going viral online. But a professional opportunity came across the Tasman in Australia, linking up with the Queensland Reds.

Tupou spent quite a while with the Brisbane-based club before joining the Melbourne Rebels and later the NSW Waratahs. But by the time the international season came around, the front-rower missed out on the first two Lions Series Tests.

But after suiting up against the tourists in Sydney, and making another nine appearances under coach Joe Schmidt that season, Tupou moved to France. The language barrier and having new teammates presented a new challenge, but one that has benefited the Wallaby.

“I didn’t realise I needed that change to go to France. I actually didn’t know what it was going to be like and I was quite nervous going to France,” Tupou said.

“Australia’s all I know and when I went [to France]…  new people, the boys were nice, the coaches are nice, different culture. There was something about it that I enjoyed. I just enjoyed my footy over there really.

“It was quite long but that relationship with the boys over there, I love that. Having my family over there too.

“Obviously because I don’t speak French… when I don’t go [onto the field] thinking too much, I play a lot better. I think that helped me.

“The first few months, obviously I enjoyed my time there… but then the last six, seven months I went, okay, I need to take this serious and see if I can take it to the next level. I got asked to come back for the Wallabies and [it was] perfect timing. I felt good, I felt good out there.”

Tupou has returned to Australia after the French season, featuring in all Tests during the July Nations Championship window. New Wallabies boss Les Kiss also selected Tupou to face Japan in the two Flight Centre Series matches.

No Wallaby scored more tries than Tupou across the Brave Blossoms matches, finishing with a haul of three five-pointers in two games. Japan coach Eddie Jones playfully commented on Tupou’s try-scoring heroics post-game.

“No pizza yet. I’m going to have to hit him up about that one,” Tupou quipped.

“I’ve got a lot of love and respect for Eddie actually. I’ve had a really close relationship with him so I’ve got nothing bad to say about him.”

Tupou generously offered to ‘give’ Ross one of his two tries, so that all six Wallabies front-rowers could have a share of the rare feat. The props and hookers have embraced an attacking style of play under Kiss, as the tighthead explained

“Less running without the ball, more running with the ball and I think that it’s working really well for us,

“There’s a lot to work on. I know we’re learning but it’s good to see forwards score tries.

“We don’t score often.”