‘We know what’s coming’: Taniela Tupou looks ahead to Springboks challenge

73-Test prop Taniela Tupou believes the upcoming clash with the Springboks in Perth will be an important hit-out for the Wallabies, as the two-time defending Rugby World Cup winners continue to set the standard with their set-piece.

Tupou started at tighthead prop when the Wallabies fought their way back for a memorable win at Johannesburg’s Emirates Airline Park 13 months ago, before the visitors went down swinging 30-22 in Cape Town the next weekend.

But the Springboks have only lost two Tests since then, now coming off a historic 3-1 series win over the All Blacks in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. They have since made their way from Baltimore in the United States to the east coast of Australia.

The Springboks have dominated their rivalry with the Wallabies since September 2012, losing just eight of the last 22 Tests played between the sides. That has included a 5-1 run dating back four years, as the Boks continue to build towards Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

Tupou and the Wallabies are currently five matches unbeaten, which included a string of three straight wins and a draw under coach Les Kiss. But as the world-renowned front-rower explained, the Springboks present an important test.

“We’ve been working hard. We know what’s coming. We all know that they’re the best in the world on set-piece, on scrums,” Tupou told reporters in Perth.

“This week, it’s a good challenge for us to test ourselves and see where we’re at as a group so I’m looking forward to it.

“We’ve been working… we know what the Springboks can do at scrums. We’ve been working hard at that and I’m looking forward to the game.”

Assistant coach Tom Donnelly acknowledged the growth of the Wallabies at the set-piece, having gone from a team that “struggled” at lineout time during the 2025 Autumn Nations Series, to a squad which has genuine depth.

Josh Canham hadn’t started for the national team before the July internationals, but the lock has become a leader as a lineout caller this season. Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw and Miles Amatosero have also earned selection this year.

The competition for places, as Donnelly explained, is “bringing the best out of the players.”

“Particularly in the backend of last year, our lineout struggled a little bit in the north, so we had a real focus on some of our fundamentals around that when we first came into camp,” the coach said.

“I think we’re growing each week and the players are very clear on the expectations that I have for what we need to make sure that we can be accurate around our set pieces.”