Following the disappointing loss to Argentina two weeks ago, the Wallabies look set to finally unleash powerful front-rower Taniela Tupou, after he has had to settle for coming on from the bench in the last six Tests.
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Tongan Thor should give Wallabies a new dimension
Tupou brings something different to the Australia team, with his fast bursts and power being two of his greatest qualities. The huge Tongan has been named in the team to play tomorrow and Aussie rugby fans will be hoping that he can provide the energy and quality that they have been missing.
The 135kg player is expected to be very hard for the Springboks to handle and the 22 year old will be hoping that he is able to take his chance and earn a permanent place in the starting team. Tomorrow he will be starting the match at the Nelson Mandela Stadium to make his full debut for the Wallabies.
Tupou surprised at selection
Tupou has claimed that he was surprised to be included in the starting team but the Tongan Thor is excited at the prospect of taking on The Beast in Port Elizabeth.
The view from the Springboks:
The South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus knows that his team face a difficult challenge as the Wallabies look to bounce back from their recent defeat. He said: “There’s a different pressure this week than last week. Last week nobody gave us a chance, this week everyone expects us to beat Australia, who beat us last time. They would be really confident they can beat us. We have to get the result.”
The Springboks also have run-on debuts for Cheslin Kobe and Sikhumuzo Notshe. Tendai Mtawarira is set to go up against Taniela Tupou, so it will be exciting to find out how that head-to-head plays out.
