Australia, England primed for battle
Australia and England are gearing up for a “gladiatorial” forwards battle in the second Test in Brisbane on Saturday with the clash between big props Taniela Tupou and Ellis Genge shaping as pivotal.
Tupou back as Wallabies shake things up
Powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou returns from injury and Jordan Petaia will start at fullback for Australia for the first time as coach Dave Rennie made five changes on Thursday to his starting lineup for the second Test against England.
Watch: Wallabies prop’s 200kg bench press
Wallabies and Reds tighthead prop Taniela Tupou – nicknamed the ‘Tongan Thor’ – recently shared a video on social media in which he bench-presses an impressive 200kg.
Tupou mugging won’t affect Wallabies mindset
Coach Michael Cheika insists that the recent attack on a Wallabies player ‘could have happened in any city’ and that the team is in a positive space ahead of the clash with the Springboks. JON CARDINELLI in Johannesburg reports.
Wallabies teammates saved Tupou from danger
Taniela Tupou chased after the suspect who grabbed his phone, but his Wallabies teammates shouted at him to back away out of fear that the perpetrator could pull out a gun or knife.
Watch: Tupou on Joburg mugging
Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou has said he tried to run after his assailant after he was mugged outside the team’s hotel in Joburg on Saturday night.
Tupou ‘fine’ after mugging in Joburg
Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou has confirmed he sustained ‘some cuts’, but is ‘fine’, after he was mugged outside the team’s hotel in Joburg on Saturday night.
Watch: Tupou yellow-carded
Reds prop Taniela Tupou was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Brumbies flyhalf Christian Leali’ifano during their match on Saturday.
