British and Irish Lions Tour: Wallabies legend Sekope Kepu has thrown his support behind Taniela Tupou. His confidence is that the powerful tight-head prop can overcome his recent form slump and play a key role in the upcoming British and Irish Lions 2025 series. Despite a difficult season with the Waratahs, Tupou still has his best years ahead of him.
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According to Kepu, who believes the 27-year-old remains a foundational piece of the Wallabies’ scrum. Now serving on the coaching staff for the First Nations and Pasifika XV, set to face the Lions in Melbourne. Kepu called his role in the series a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The 110-Test veteran emphasised that Tupou was at the top of his wish list for the team, highlighting just how highly he regards the Tongan Thor.
However, Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt will be counting on Tupou to hit top form for the second Test against the Lions at the MCG on July 26, which comes just days after the First Nations clash. As a former tight-head himself, Kepu understands the critical role props play in major contests. He recalled the 2013 Lions series when he, alongside Stephen Moore and James Slipper.
British and Irish Lions Tickets: Kepu Backs Tupou and Highlights Scrum’s Crucial Role
He won a late scrum penalty that could have sealed a victory if not for a missed kick by Kurtley Beale. That moment, Kepu said, was a reminder of how scrums can shape outcomes. With that in mind, he believes both Tupou and Allan Alaalatoa are essential to Australia’s front-row strategy heading into 2025.
Talented young props are emerging, especially from Queensland, Kepu noted, but Taniela and Allan are the two cornerstones of the Wallabies’ scrum. The Lions will bring a dominant forward mentality, and Australia needs to meet that challenge head-on. Reflecting on the Wallabies’ 2013 clash with the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane, Sekope Kepu recalled the crucial late scrum penalty his side won.
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We managed to push them back and earned a penalty, he said. Unfortunately, Kurtley Beale slipped and missed the kick, but that moment shows how games can be won or lost at the scrum. Whether Taniela Tupou gets a similar opportunity in 2025 is uncertain. The powerful prop, who has struggled with form since returning from a serious Achilles injury.
Recently admitted he’d be at peace if not selected for the Lions series. Kepu, who received a red card during Tupou’s debut Test in 2017, understands the challenges his former teammate faces with confidence and fitness. I keep in contact with him and sent my congratulations when he made his Waratahs debut, Kepu said.
Lions vs Wallabies Tickets: Kepu on the Tough Reality of Achilles Injuries
People underestimate how tough an Achilles rupture is—I’ve been through it myself.” He acknowledged the mental hurdles, particularly in Scrum, where fear of reinjury can linger. “It’s always in the back of your mind. Kepu, who also suffered his Achilles tear in 2022, said it left a lasting impact, even more so given he was a decade older than Tupou at the time.
Despite the setbacks, he believes Tupou can bounce back with the right support system. With Nelly, it’s often best to give him the freedom to play his natural game, Kepu said. If he’s given that freedom and confidence, he’ll start to shine again. And if he’s out there against the Lions, I have no doubt he’ll deliver.
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Sekope Kepu opened up about the harsh realities of recovering from an Achilles injury, particularly for front-row players. I don’t know about other injuries, ACLs, and such, but when it’s below the calf. It affects everything we rely on in scrums, he explained. You’re never quite the same. Kepu admitted the recovery process was gruelling and mentally exhausting.
British and Irish Lions Tour Tickets: Kepu on Injury and Resilience
I pushed myself hard. There were dark days, I even told my wife, ‘cut it off,’ he said. Progress is so slow. One day, you think you’re improving, then you test it, and it’s the same or worse. A half calf raise can feel like a setback. The former Wallaby highlighted the mental toll. That killer instinct gets dulled. You second-guess yourself, and there’s always that voice in your head telling you to be cautious.
In other positions, you might get away with it. But in the front row, you’re carrying and absorbing massive force. There’s no hiding. Looking forward, Kepu is confident that Taniela Tupou still has a lot to contribute. He floated the idea of Tupou potentially joining Moana Pasifika in 2026 but stressed that he hopes the powerhouse prop stays in Australian rugby.
He’d fit right in and be a real inspiration at Moana. They’d have to pay a fortune to lure him away, Kepu said. But I believe he’s happy in Australia. He moved here when he was young, and I hope he stays. When he’s enjoying his rugby, he performs at his best. At just 29, he still has plenty to offer. As a tight-head, his peak years are likely still to come.
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