The Wallabies will be without star tighthead prop Taniela Tupou for their Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
Tupou, who recently joined the Waratahs from Melbourne Levels, is likely to be left out of coach Joe Schmidt’s matchday squad on the 23rd.
According to reports, the 28-year-old’s absence is due to personal issues off the pitch rather than injury. ESPN (Sports and Entertainment)
Instead, Allan Alaalatoa will retain his starting spot at tighthead prop and also captain the Wallabies. He will be partnered in the scrum by 24-year-old Test rookie Isaac Kailea, who made his Wallabies debut in the series against Wales.
I miss you 💚💛
Suncorp Stadium is officially sold out for the Flight Centre Rugby Championship test match against the Springboks.#wallaby #This is Queensland #Visit Brisbane pic.twitter.com/JyCroDBXm6
— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 6, 2024
The Wallabies have confirmed that tickets for Saturday’s game in Brisbane, which they haven’t lost to the Springboks since 2013, are sold out. More than 50,000 fans are expected to attend the game.
It will be the first time Suncorp Stadium has been full for a Wallabies test match since the 2013 British & Irish Lions Series.
Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
