Wallabies star Taniela Tupou feared he wasn’t new coach Eddie Jones’s “type of player” as he raced to beat an achilles harm in time for the World Cup and went to some “dark places” earlier than discovering his solution to France.
Tupou was among the many Wallabies’ finest within the opening win over Georgia that ended a five-game dropping streak beneath Jones in 2023 and strengthened for the gamers the plan the coach had was coming collectively.
A floating cross from the 135kg prop to arrange a attempt for teammate Ben Donaldson was amongst Tupou’s highlights within the 35-15 win that he mentioned may additionally calm a few of the critics who had written the Australians off.
“We had a game plan and we came out and delivered it. Coming off five losses, we have got to be grateful for the win,” he mentioned.
“It is good to be back in the winner’s circle. We understand why people are upset. Everybody wants to win but with the young team we have, we are trying to put together a winning combination while the players are getting used to each other.”
Tupou performed his fiftieth Test within the conflict in opposition to Georgia however mentioned it was a milestone he wasn’t certain would come after Jones was appointed whereas he was recovering from an achilles harm suffered in opposition to Ireland final yr.
He knew the timeline for restoration was 9 months and he questioned whether or not he would get again in time and if Jones would need him understanding the brand new coach was set to brush a brush by way of the nationwide set-up.
“Last year I was recovering from a calf injury when I ruptured my achilles. I went through some really dark places,” he mentioned.
“They said it would take nine months and I was lucky enough to make it back in seven or eight, but there were times when I thought, ‘Can I still make it back?’
“Then when Eddie came in, I didn’t know much about him so I was nervous about whether I would be his type of player. I am lucky he has shown so much faith in me.”
Tupou performed for Australia A after which made his return for the Wallabies in opposition to the All Blacks on the MCG, injuring himself once more earlier than making his World Cup assertion in Paris.
Jones mentioned Tupou may turn out to be the most effective tight-head prop on this planet, however Tupou mentioned he was simply frightened about persevering with to work laborious, with group success his precedence.
“Every coach would say that about you, but I’m not sure how to take these compliments,” he mentioned.
“I hear them from different people, but I just try to keep my head down and keep working hard. Hopefully, I will be up there one day, but there are so many in front of me.”
The Wallabies’ subsequent World Cup conflict is in opposition to Fiji subsequent Monday.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
