Tupou returns to Waratahs: Schmidt releases him for duel vs. Lions

The Wallabies prop, Taniela Tupou, has been released to join the NSW Waratahs in their match against the British & Irish Lions on Saturday night. Tupou will travel to Sydney from Newcastle, where the Wallabies are preparing to face Fiji on Sunday. This decision seeks to reinforce the Waratahs, who will be deprived of key players such as Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Andrew Kellaway, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt could give winger Max Jorgensen, who missed the second half of Super Rugby due to an ankle injury, a chance to gain match fitness against the Fijians. The release of Tupou comes after the outstanding performance of Western Force prop Tom Robertson against the Lions in Perth on Saturday night. Robertson, who played as a loosehead prop, dominated the famous Irish and Lions tighthead prop, Tadgh Furlong. Robertson’s performance did not go unnoticed by Schmidt and the Wallabies scrum coach, Mike Cron. Tupou, for his part, had a less prominent Super Rugby season, where he struggled to make a significant impact after joining from the Melbourne Rebels. Although there were signs of improvement at the end of the season, it was clear that he had been surpassed as the number 3 pillar of the Wallabies by Brumbies star Allan Alaalatoa.

It could be that Schmidt wants to see Robertson and veteran James Slipper from the bench against Fiji on Sunday, given their versatility to play on both sides of the scrum. In any case, Tupou will reinforce the Waratahs, who are weakened and inexperienced. The Lions are expected to test the NSW, although they will face an even greater challenge against the Queensland Reds three days before. Matt Faessler and Hunter Paisami were released from the Wallabies camp last week for the Reds’ clash with the tourists. Tupou’s release comes amid speculation about his possible departure from Australian rugby at the end of 2025 to join the French club Racing 92. The current contract of Tupou with the Waratahs and Rugby Australia expires at the end of the year, and there is no way he will get the same amount of money as the previous time.