Taniela Tupou to inspire Wallabies against South Africa despite his unavailability

A grieving Taniela Tupou will serve as an inspiration to the Wallabies on Saturday against South Africa.

Taniela Tupou will miss the Wallabies clash with South Africa due to the death of his father. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Wallabies skipper Allan Alaalatoa has paid tribute to fellow prop Taniela Tupou, who despite not playing in Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against South Africa following the death of his father has remained part of the Australian camp this week in Brisbane.

The power of Tupou will be sorely missed against the Springboks at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium.

However, Tupou’s commitment to the Wallabies’ cause is set to inspire Alaalatoa and his team in their bid to upset the reigning world champions.

“It’s obviously really sad about what he’s going through, but he’s still here with us at the moment, and he’s contributed massively throughout the whole week, ” Alaalatoa said on Friday.

“It’s a testament to him as a person and how much he loves this team and to represent his country.

“For him to still be here, to be himself and to add value is massive. We’re definitely thinking of him and his family and all that they’re going through at the moment.”

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The Wallabies are chasing a fourth successive win under new coach Joe Schmidt, having last month beaten Georgia and Wales twice.

“Internally, the boys have so much respect for Joe (and) the experience that he has and the way that he carries himself around the group. The boys have really gotten around him,” Alaalatoa said.

“We all know the rugby IQ and the knowledge that our coaching staff has. Being part of that as players, we’re grateful to be a part of a group that has that knowledge on-board so we can continue to learn.

“Internally, there’s a lot of belief in our coach and we don’t really listen to what other people have to say.”

Despite being underdogs, the Wallabies have won their past four matches against the Springboks in Brisbane.

“We’ve always, as a group and with our coaching staff, brought the focus back to ourselves, understanding the good things that we’ve displayed in the July series and the reasons why we won those games,” Alaalatoa said.

“It’s probably the best arena to put that to work (on Saturday) against South Africa.

“There’s always pressure leading into Test matches but to relieve that, we’ve got to prepare really well and I think the boys have definitely done that this week.

“They (the Springboks) are well experienced in terms of the number of Test caps they have and as a forward pack – we’ve spoken about that.

“We know that it’s going to be a massive challenge for us which we’re excited to face.”

Wallabies: Isaac Kailea, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Harry Wilson, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright. Bench: Josh Nasser, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Luke Reimer, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Dylan Pietsch.

Springboks: Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Elrigh Louw, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux. Bench: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Handré Pollard.

Originally published as Taniela Tupou to inspire Wallabies against South Africa despite his unavailability