Wallabies set to be boosted by the return of key forward who is ‘in a better headspace’

David Skippers
Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell image

Wallabies front-row duo Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell.

After making a poor start to their Rugby Championship campaign, the Wallabies have been boosted by the return of Taniela Tupou, who joined the squad for their upcoming Tests against Argentina.

The burly front-row missed the Wallabies’ matches against the Springboks after heading out to Tonga following the death of his father. Fellow prop Angus Bell is delighted to have the man who is affectionately known as the ‘Tongan Thor’ back in their ranks.

Australia arrived in Argentina over the weekend and are set to take on Los Pumas in back-to-back Rugby Championship Tests in La Plata on August 31 and Santa Fe on September 7 respectively.

Bell and Tupou are both fit and raring to go after sharing the recovery process from injuries in 2023 and Bell believes Tupou’s mindset is right to do well when he returns to action.

‘In a better headspace’

“‘Nela’s doing a lot better since being back from Tonga,” Bell told reporters. “It’s a tough thing to lose your dad, but I feel like ‘Nela’s in a better headspace to contribute with the team.

“We all support ‘Nela and everything he’s going through, he’s well supported in our environment. We’re looking forward to having ‘Nela back.”

The duo will be team-mates at the Waratahs in 2025 and will be joined by fellow front-rower Isaac Kailea after the loosehead prop also joined the Sydneysiders earlier in the week.

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It means the Waratahs’ front-row stocks will be bolstered and Bell, Tupou and Kailea will be joined by hooker and former Wallabies captain Dave Porecki, who is currently sidelined due to injury.

Bell revealed that he’s only known Kailea for a few weeks but the bond they’ve created suggests something special could be on the horizon for the Waratahs and Wallabies.

“He’s a good mate now which is quite funny because I’ve only known him for a couple weeks,” added Bell.

Depth is one of the biggest things’

“Isaac’s a great footballer, loads and loads of talent so really excited to have him at the ‘Tahs because depth is one of the biggest things.

“I might be out of the team next year which is interesting (laughs). It’s exciting times and I’m happy because Isaac and ‘Nela are both good players and humans.”

Apart from Tupou’s return, the Wallabies also received a shot in the arm after second-row duo Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams were ruled fit following their concussions sustained in the opening round of the Rugby Championship.

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