The Wallabies are set to receive a shot in the arm after it was revealed that star front-row Taniela Tupou is set to make his long-awaited return to action this weekend.
He will not be in action for the Wallabies against Argentina, however, but for Australia ‘A’ against Tonga in Nuku’alofa on Friday.
Lengthy stint on the sidelines
Tupou has been sidelined for the entire year with a ruptured Achilles, which he sustained against Ireland last November in the Autumn Nations Series.
The 27-year-old was named in the Wallabies squad for their opening two Tests of the Rugby Championship against the Springboks and Los Pumas as he continues his rehabilitation from his injury.
The Wallabies confirmed on Monday night they will look to maximise Tupou’s minutes by joining their ‘A’ programme instead of potentially making an appearance off the bench against Argentina in Sydney on Saturday.
If Tupou gets through Friday unscathed, he is then likely to rejoin the Wallabies squad ahead of the opening Bledisloe Test against the All Blacks in Melbourne on July 29.
Meanwhile, the Wallabies also announced Blake Schoupp and Pone Fa’amausili will officially join their squad ahead of Saturday’s encounter against Los Pumas.
Schoupp was rushed to South Africa as injury cover for James Slipper, after the co-captain was doubtful for their opening Test against the Springboks due to a knee injury suffered at training.
Fa’amausili, who was initially named in the Australia A squad, meanwhile serves as a straight swap for Tupou.
In other news, fellow front-row Angus Bell will also be pushing for a return to action after being sidelined with a foot injury.
Bell travelled to South Africa with the Wallabies, but head coach Eddie Jones decided not to risk him as he continues his recovery from the injury sustained during the Waratahs’ Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Brumbies in February.
Tom Hooper also doubtful for Argentina Test
Brumbies back-row Tom Hooper is also doubtful for Saturday’s Test against Argentina after his Wallabies debut against the Springboks was short-lived.
The 22-year-old was replaced by Pete Samu in the 32nd minute of the Pretoria Test after he injured his shoulder.
Hooper is set to have scans to determine the severity of the injury, with Samu, Jed Holloway and Rob Leota amongst those in line to replace him.
READ MORE: Wallabies to look beyond loss to ‘the best team in the world’
Article courtesy of
Source link
