Crusaders wheel out big guns to muzzle Reds prop Taniela Tupou

Taniela Tupou’s potent scrummaging has become such a weapon for the Queensland Reds that even the Kiwis have made private complaints to try to muzzle the 133kg giant.

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Taniela Tupou’s potent scrummaging has become such a weapon for the Reds that even the Kiwis have made private complaints to try to muzzle the 133kg giant.

There’s no suggestion that the Crusaders have whinged to SANZAAR referees’ boss Lyndon Bray because the 2017-18 champions did not face the Queenslanders last season.

The Crusaders have paid Tupou a compliment just as big by selecting top All Blacks props Owen Franks and Joe Moody to handle him in Saturday night’s showdown at Suncorp Stadium.

It’s believed Bray asked the Reds during the off-season to furnish details of Tupou’s scrummaging style which they happily did to highlight his strong technique and improvement.

Taniela Tupou (right) has been dominant at the scrum for the Reds. Picture: Stu Walmsley

It followed a succession of powerhouse scrum displays last year, including his role in forcing eight penalties on the buckling Blues pack in Auckland last year.

Rather than be searching for anything amiss, all Tupou is doing right should be celebrated.

Tupou, 22, openly admits being mangled himself when he first scrummaged against hardhead Moody in a 2016 trial was a turning point. “Tongan Thor” needed a hammer to belt Moody that night because he had no scrum tricks that worked.

“I thought I was ready but I’m now glad Moody did a jood job on me because it showed me all I had to work on to play against the best,” Tupou said.

The excitement for this game is reflected in mouthwatering match-ups across the park.

The “Flair Jordan” v “Mullet-man” duel in the centres is another with Reds young gun Jordan Petaia up against All Black Jack Goodhue.

Reds young gun Jordan Petaia will match-up against All Blacks centre Jack Goodhue. Picture: AAP

“Petaia looks a pretty special talent just out of school, the Reds have gamebreakers and there’s the balance of having a tough pack so we’re well aware of their threats,” Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said.

Goodhue, 23, is another breakout centre from the classical mould and racked up 161 running metres, 10 tackles and a sharp two-touch try in his Bledisloe Cup stunner in Sydney last year.

There’s more to the yoga-loving centre with the Salvation Army ties.

“He’s a special man. He’s the type who steps up with a big play when needed, there’s never a dull moment around him and he’s right into his mullet haircut,” skipper Matt Todd said.

Samu Kerevi led the jersey presentation with the Queensland women’s team on Friday. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s going to be a quality match-up.”

The Reds have worked on refining their dodgy kicking and it better have clicked by 6.45pm or another Jordan will cut them up.

Crusaders fullback Will Jordan, 20, is a beauty, an athlete with a speed and a linebreaking knack for his first start.

The Reds and the Queensland women’s team, who play the 4pm game against Western Australia, joined forces over an upbeat jersey presentation at Ballymore on Friday.

Women’s captain Kiri Lingman said Millie Boyle had added a new dimension to the pack with her “fit, fast, go-forward” package.

REDS v CRUSADERS

Suncorp Stadium, 6.45pm Saturday

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (S Af)

TV (live): Fox Sports and Kayo

REDS: Bryce Hegarty, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi (c), Sefa Naivalu, Hamish Stewart, Moses Sorovi, AngusScott-Young, Liam Wright, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Izack Rodda, Harry Hockings, Feao Fotuaika, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou. Res: Alex Mafi, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Caleb Timu, Scott Higginbotham, Tate McDermott, Duncan Paia’aua, Isaac Lucas.

CRUSADERS: Will Jordan, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Tim Bateman, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Mitchell Drummond, Whetu Douglas, Matt Todd (c), Tom Sanders, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody. Res: Ben Funnell, Harry Allan, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Bryn Hall, Mitchell Hunt, David Havili.

Originally published as Crusaders wheel out big guns to muzzle Reds prop Taniela Tupou