Tupou on track to return for Wallabies

Wallabies star prop Taniela Tupou is on track to make his return from injury against the Springboks in their Rugby Championship opener at Loftus Versfeld on July 8.

The powerhouse's World Cup hopes were in doubt when he ruptured his Achilles against Ireland last autumn.

Tupou has since been working hard on his rehabilitation and his injury timelines look positive for him to return in time for the global showpiece. It is good news for new head coach Eddie Jones, who names his squad today.

Scrum coach Neal Hatley said: “People who have known him said this is the hardest he's ever worked, so they couldn't be more pleased with him at the moment.

“His application, his attitude has been outstanding. Taniela needs to keep pushing to get to where we need him to get to, but he's right on track.”

Hatley understands that Tupou can offer a great deal for the Wallabies given his monstrous size coupled with his explosive running ability.

“On his day, he's as good as anybody in the world. Not just carrying the ball but actually what he does at set-piece. He's a mountain of a man,” said Hatley.

He can make a big difference. He's a big man. He's explosive. Those are the ones that can cause you problems.”