The area of Tupou’s game that has ‘definitely added value’ to Wallabies

91-Test Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa believes Taniela Tupou had already added value at the set-piece this international season, citing that as an area of his teammate’s game that has benefited from a stint abroad in France. 

Tupou is back Down Under after making a dozen appearances for Top 14 side Racing 92, having signed a deal through to 2028 with the Parisian club. The front-rower last donned the sky blue and white hoops in a heavy semi-final loss to eventual champions Toulouse last month. 

It’s the first time Tupou has played professional rugby for a club outside of Australia, having spent time with three Super Rugby Pacific teams. But the tighthead is back playing at familiar grounds like Allianz Stadium and Suncorp Stadium, now in Wallaby gold. 

The 30-year-old only featured in one of three Lions Series matches 12 months ago but has featured in 11 Tests since. That includes two appearances in the all-new Nations Championship, providing impact off the bench against Six Nations heavyweights Ireland and France.  

“I definitely think from a set-piece point of view, he came on against Ireland and France and then did what he did in the scrums. I think a lot of that was probably through the experiences that he’s got over there in France,” Alaalatoa told reporters in Sydney. 

“Also helps through driving the messages and the standards that we set for ourselves at training. He’s alwasy someone that goes hard at at training and tests the boys that are in front of him. He’s definitely added value around our set-piece. 

“He’s one of our experienced lads now. He wouldn’t say it. He’s a man that doesn’t really say too much but does a lot through his actions. We’re gonna need him massively.” 

Tupou is now a Wallabies veteran of 70 Test appearances, making him one of the more experienced players in the squad. Along with Alaalatoa, the Wallabies have genuine leaders up front, mixed in with some relatively inexperiencedprospects. 

Isaac Kailea has been named in the Wallabies squad for two Tests against Japan, after making two starts in a dozen appearances for the NSW Waratahs last season. But Kailea hasn’t played for the national team since December 1, 2024, when he came off the bench against Ireland. 

The front-rower has played eight matches for the Wallabies, and will look to challenge for more Test appearances in the coming weeks. 20-Test Wallaby Zane Nonggorr will also be in the mix, as the Wallabies look to build on a 57-10 win over Italy in Perth. 

“Watching Isaac and knowing him from the past, his point of difference has always been around what he does with the ball. His ball carry, I think it’s a point of difference for the props,” Alaalatoa said. 

“His footwork at the line is at another level, but also his ability and his speed as a prop is awesome as well. 

“It’s been great that he’s been able to work with [Dan Palmer] at the Tahs to continue to build his scrummaging but also being in this environment will help grow his game. 

“I wasn’t too shocked to see his name, knowing what he could deliver and just looking forward to linking up with him again because it’s been some time. 

“It’s exciting that he’s been able to come back in and hoping he can put his food down and get an opportunity.”