Taniela Tupou: Australia’s powerhouse prop takes aim at England rival Ellis Genge

Dylan Coetzee

Taniela Tupou has a laugh during an Australian Wallabies training session at Royal Pines resort on the Gold Coast, Thursday, July 7, 2022. (AAP Image/Jono Searle) NO ARCHIVING ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **

Wallabies powerhouse front-row Taniela Tupou is lining up England loosehead prop Ellis Genge in the second Test in Brisbane.

Tupou was unavailable in the first Test due to injury but returns to the starting line-up this week and is looking to impose himself on the game and Genge in particular.

The Reds prop is known for his extreme physicality, surprising pace and sheer power at scrum time. Tupou will also no doubt improve the Wallabies set-piece on Saturday.

Heavyweight battle

The 26-year-old says there is nothing personal between him and Genge but knows the Englishman will be looking to come at him during the game.

“It’s not personal, but it is personal. I will do what is best for the team but when you get out there you want to be better than your opposition,” Tupou said.

“Ellis Genge is going to come out there and try to give it to me and smash me. I will do exactly the same thing. I want to give it to him. We will see what happens out there.

“I have heard a lot of talk about him. I saw him absolutely kill it in the English comp with his team and he has captained his side.

“As a loosehead, he can run the ball, he can tackle and he can scrum. This week if he is starting, it will be the first time I have played him. It will be a big challenge but I need to focus on myself and what I can do.”

Set-piece impact

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is delighted to have the important Tupou back in the fold and praised the star for his carrying ability and set-piece impact.

“Taniela can certainly carry. He’s got good footwork and he’s amazingly explosive for a big man. He can hike,” Rennie said.

“The scrum is the big thing. He hasn’t played a lot of rugby lately. We want really good set piece from him initially and anything else will be a bonus. If he can give us some go forward and quicker ball, that will help.”

READ MORE: Australia: Noah Lolesio retains his place as Jordan Petaia starts at full-back against England

 

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Australia v England second Test preview

Planet Rugby previews the second Test between Australia and England in Brisbane.