Waratah’s forefront is to move from crisis to global power.

The front row crisis that has swept the Waratahs this season could be a thing of the past, with Dan McKellar set to bring Taniela Tufo to Sydney to assemble a Wallabies front row.

Tupou and Rebels team-mate and Wallabies rookie Isaac Kaylea are in advanced talks with Waratahs over a move to Daysville.

Growling We know that only a major U-turn can stop Tupou from landing at the Waratahs, with last-minute paperwork still to be sorted out before the move is official. It will be his third Super Rugby franchise in three years after moving from the Reds to the Rebels this year.

But those hoping to see Tuppo become the Waratahs’ representative would be wise to invest early, as the Tongan Thor is likely to remain in Australia for only another 12 months or so.

It is understood Rugby Australia are already mulling over the idea of ​​offering him a further $1 million contract. For a frontrunner in high demand globally, he will certainly continue his career overseas after next year’s Lions campaign.

Taniela Tupou is unlikely to play in Super Rugby after 2025. (Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

He’s not alone. One of the brightest young players to emerge in 2024, Kailea won gold in his debut Test last month and is already considering his future.

RA is trying to turn the situation around by not only slowing down the player market growth, but also lowering the value of contracts.

However, recent deals for NRL star Joseph Suali ($1.6 million) and NRL target Max Jorgensen ($500,000) – with Kylia accepting a contract worth more than three times the amount he was offered – continue to raise questions, especially in the current market.

But with the pair heading to Sydney, McKellar will be able to step up to the front for the Wallabies with injured stars Angus Bell and Dave Forecky returning.

Kyleea’s rapid growth is on display as the 23-year-old prepares for his first start against Georgia in Sydney on Saturday.

After two eye-catching cameos off the bench to replace James Sleeper, the Roar know Joe Schmidt has no concerns about throwing Kailea deep, who will be packing in Billy Pollard and Allan Alaalatoa.

Isaac Kylia in action against Wales in Melbourne. (Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

After two strong performances in the No.3 shirt against Wales, Tupou has decided not to play in the Test match to ensure he is fit to play against the Springboks next month.

New Wallabies scrum coach Mike Cron, who coached more than 200 Test matches for the All Blacks and was nicknamed the ‘scrum doctor’ after coaching the likes of Tony Woodcock, Owen and Ben Franks, said he had never worked with someone so powerful.

“I don’t think I’ve ever led a more powerful person than I have,” Kron said.

“He’s got power, he’s got a strong body. He just needs to keep practicing good technique and consistent technique. And sometimes, you know, he’s got to call the referee and foul.

“We have to make sure that doesn’t happen and we keep everything legal and strong.

“He’s very flexible, he can do splits, you wouldn’t have imagined that.

“So as a big guy, he’s very flexible. I think that gives you a good advantage in what we do. And a very explosive guy, you can see it when he runs the ball.”

Former All Blacks scrum doctor Mike Cron says Taniela Tupou is the strongest player he has ever worked with. (Photo: Ross Land/Getty Images)

Kron is certainly not the first to say this, but he may be the first to elevate Tuppo’s status from world-class potential player to world-class star.

Asked if he could find more in the two-legged race, Cron licked his lips after practicing with the Australian front row for another 30 minutes. He continued practicing even after the rest of the players had started eating lunch.

“Yeah, I guess that’s possible,” Kron said. “I think he’s got another big limit he has to reach.

“I think a lot of these boys are. They’re progressing well and I’m happy with the way they’re progressing. But it’s just the beginning. A lot of them are quite new to international rugby.

“There will be some hard lessons learned along the way.”