Taniela Tupou benched by NSW Waratahs in blow to the prop’s hopes for starting Lions role
Australia’s highest-paid forward has been relegated to an impact role for the Waratahs, which could change the complexion of the Wallabies forward pack against the Lions.
Taniela Tupou has been dropped to the Waratahs bench, in a blow to the prop’s chances of starting for Australia against the British & Irish Lions in July, while playmaker Tane Edmed is out of the squad altogether.
Tupou, the $1.2 million-a-year tight-head, has been relegated to an impact role against Moana Pasifika on Saturday, having started all previous matches for NSW this season.
He came under fire for his lack of effort in Queensland’s rolling maul try against the Tahs a fortnight ago, and while he held his starting spot against the Brumbies and Hurricanes, NSW coach Dan McKellar has made the big call to bench the 148kg giant.
With Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa playing well, Tupou has an uphill battle to claim the Wallabies’ No. 3 jersey for the Lions.
Dan Botha is the new starting NSW tight-head, joining Angus Bell and Ethan Dobbins in an all Sydney University front row.
“I had a good conversation with Taniela about this selection,” McKellar said.
“He understands that he has a massive role to play when he comes on, bringing energy, power, and leadership in that crucial final period.
“His ability to change the momentum of a game is a real asset for us.”
Tupou is among seven changes NSW have made following their mammoth 57-12 defeat to the Hurricanes
Moana hammered the high-flying Crusaders 45-29 last week and will be full of confidence at home at North Harbour Stadium.
This will be Botha’s first start for 2025.
“We believe Dan will provide a solid set-piece foundation and physicality to start the game,” McKellar said.
“Then we have the luxury of bringing in a player like Taniela Tupou in the final 30 minutes to make a big impact.”
Lawson Creighton retains his place in the No. 10 jersey, but Edmed – who began the season as starting five-eighth – has now been usurped on the bench by Jack Bowen in a shock move.
“Jack has worked hard, played well in the ‘A’ game against the Brumbies Runners, and deserves his crack at Super Rugby level,” McKellar said.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii resumes his role as starting fullback, following the ankle syndesmosis injury to Max Jorgensen that will sideline the Wallaby for six to eight weeks.
“Joseph is a natural athlete with great vision and a strong defensive game,” McKellar said.
“He can provide the stability and counterattacking ability we need at fullback, particularly against a team that likes to play expansively like Moana Pasifika.”
Captain and lock Hugh Sinclair returns from injury, seeing last week’s skipper Joey Walton dropped to the bench for the new midfield combination of Lalakai Foketi and Henry O’Donnell.
“Hugh brings a great deal of leadership and composure to the group,” McKellar said.
“His presence is invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations.”
NSW Waratahs v Moana Pasifika
Saturday 5 April, 12.05pm (AEDT)
North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
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