Wallabies tighthead prop Taniela Tupou is quickly building a reputation as of the best front rowers in international rugby due to his all round ability at the very top level.
The 25-year-old is nicknamed Tongan Thor given his birthplace and brutal strength which makes him one of the most explosive ball-carriers in the game.
Tupou has earned 25 caps for Australia since making his debut in 2017 and as well as his solid scrummaging he produces massive hits and silky handling skills every time he wears the green and gold jersey.
In summer 2020 Tupou was filmed bench-pressing an impressive 200kg during a gym session with the Queensland Reds, which is why he’s so dominant in both the scrummage and collision zone on a regular basis.
Having made a return to Test match rugby for the first time in five years, Wallabies veteran Greg Holmes was full of praise for Tupou ahead of the conclusion to The Rugby Championship a few weeks back.
“I’m playing behind probably the best tighthead in the world so hopefully he leaves me a few minutes,” said Holmes, who made his debut for Australia in 2005. The 38-year-old now has 28 caps for the Wallabies and is the oldest player to represent the country since World War II.
Holmes added: “You could see how special he (Tupou) was going to be. It’s almost unfair for someone to have that many attributes.
“He’s stronger than everyone, he’s faster, he’s as athletic as anyone and he’s as skilful as anyone. He’s a freak of nature.
“He’s not ‘probably’ the best tighthead in the world. He is the best tighthead.”
To highlight his incredible ability, a brilliant new montage has been put together which showcases Tupou’s amazing skills and physicality for both club and country.
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