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Taniela Tupou has his 'mojo' back, Wallabies coach Les Kiss says

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Prop Taniela Tupou has rediscovered his form, scoring two tries in the Wallabies' 56-17 victory over Japan.
  • Coach Les Kiss is ensuring Tupou's French club, Racing 92, is aware of his workload and well-being.
  • Tupou's return to form follows a move to France, which has helped him regain confidence and connection with the team.

Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou is back to his best, scoring two first-half tries in Australia's dominant 56-17 win against Japan in Townsville. His resurgence has thrilled coach Les Kiss, who is assuring Tupou's new French employers that the player is being well looked after.

He's found a little bit of himself again, and he's been more of himself

โ€” Les KissWallabies coach Les Kiss described Taniela Tupou's return to form.

Tupou, who also scored the match-winner against Eddie Jones's Japan the previous week, has displayed renewed power and skill. This performance indicates he is nearing his peak form ahead of next year's home Rugby World Cup. "He's found a little bit of himself again, and he's been more of himself," Wallabies coach Kiss commented, also noting Tupou's improved combination with lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.

After several underwhelming seasons with Australian clubs, Tupou's move to France's Racing 92 last season appears to have revitalized his career. "Moving to France, he's found out who he is a little bit more and he's come back and he's really connected with the group here and found that bit of mojo that he likes to thrive on," Kiss said. Tupou is currently the only overseas-based Wallaby in the Test rotation.

Moving to France, he's found out who he is a little bit more and he's come back and he's really connected with the group here and found that bit of mojo that he likes to thrive on

โ€” Les KissKiss explained how Tupou's move to France has benefited his performance.

Kiss has maintained contact with Racing 92's staff to ensure Tupou's availability for the upcoming two-Test tour of Argentina and beyond. "I'll be talking to the coach and the team manager of Racing, this week, again, to make sure they understand how we're looking after Nella and making sure we're doing the right thing with him and working him hard," Kiss stated. "So they can trust the process as well. But, yeah, he'll be with us."

I'll be talking to the coach and the team manager of Racing, this week, again, to make sure they understand how we're looking after Nella and making sure we're doing the right thing with him and working him hard

โ€” Les KissKiss detailed his communication with Tupou's French club regarding his workload.

Former coach Eddie Jones humorously suggested Tupou played as if a pizza was offered for each try. Tupou responded with a grin, "No pizza, I'll have to hit him up about that one." He expressed respect for Jones and confidence in his own game, aiming to "take it to the next level" with Kiss's guidance, particularly focusing on receiving the ball more as a forward.

No pizza, I'll have to hit him up about that one

โ€” Taniela TupouTupou jokingly responded to Eddie Jones' comment about pizzas for tries.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.