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Taniela Tupou looking to 'reach the next level' in fresh start with Rebels

Taniela Tupou at Wallabies training. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Melbourne Rebels recruit Taniela Tupou has narrowed his focus as he seeks to put a painful World Cup experience and injury-riddled two years behind him.

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Tupou managed just one appearance in France as the Wallabies crashed to an embarrassing pool-stage exit, his tournament brought to a premature end by a hamstring problem.

It was the latest in a long line of setbacks for the 27-year-old front-rower, who questioned his rugby future after rupturing an Achilles a year ago.

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“It was a tough few months but it’s all done now,” Tupou told reporters at the Rebels’ AAMI Park base on Thursday.

“I’m back to work now and I’ve got a new goal and that’s to perform for the Rebels.

“The World Cup hurts, but that’s behind me now. It’s time to look forward.”

A fresh start with Melbourne under Kevin Foote could be the answer Tupou is looking for.

The former Queensland Reds man, who turned out for the Barbarians invitational team against Wales last month, is now injury-free and carefully working his way into pre-season training with the Rebels.

If his body holds up, Tupou might yet live up to former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones’s prediction that he will flourish into a world-class tighthead prop.

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But that’s looking too far ahead for the man dubbed the ‘Tongan Thor’.

“I just want to be on the field to start with,” Tupou said.

“The last few years I’ve been unlucky with injuries and the strength and conditioning staff here (at the Rebels) have done a great job with managing that.

“For me to reach the next level with my game … I know the fitter I am, the better I’ll be on the field.”

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There’s another element Foote hopes to provide his boom addition in order to get the best out of him on the field.

“Happiness. What we know about Taniela is if he’s happy, he plays pretty well,” Foote said.

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“Understanding what he values, making sure that him and his family are well looked after in Melbourne and he’s got a smile on his face.

“If he’s smiling, we’ll go well.”

Tupou is one of seven Wallabies in the revamped Rebels squad and leads a beefed-up pack alongside Test forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who spent last season playing for UK club Northampton.

“We’ve got a real physical team, not only forward pack, and that’s something that will speak to the way we want to play,” Foote said.

“We know that we get our speed through our contact and our physicality.

“The team will be quite intimidating, we’ve just got to make sure they play for each other now.”

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1 Comment
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Red and White Dynamight 349 days ago

just chasing the biggest dollar, will never reach his potential.

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Hellhound 14 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 55 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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