Wallabies forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto emphasizes the importance of retaining Taniela Tupou for the 2027 World Cup. While another strongman, Massimo De Lutiis, is emerging as a potential backup option in the front row, Salakaia-Loto believes Tupou is crucial for both the Wallabies and Super Rugby. With Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt seeking strong tighthead props, De Lutiis impresses in the Wallabies camp despite limited experience.
Wallabies forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has urged Rugby Australia to do whatever it takes to retain Taniela Tupou, even as another strongman emerges as a solid backup option in the front row.Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Noah Lolesio, Len Ikitau and Tom WrightBut Salakaia-Loto – also off contract, and “definitely open to anything at this stage” – declared the 135kg prop should be at the centre of retention talks ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
“But I’m happy for him to still be in Australia continuing his rugby career, it’s massive for not only the Wallabies but also Super Rugby.Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt appears determined to have other tighthead props ready should Tupou leave, with Reds rookie Massimo De Lutiis among the first in line.is yet to make his Super Rugby debut after an injury-riddled 2024, but has already been ushered into the Wallabies camp after impressing for his club against Tonga and Saitama Wild Knights.
“They’re different players in their own rights, but a lot of similarities in the gym. I think if he can harness that strength and use it technically in the right way, he’s got all the tools to be a weapon in the scrum.McReight, the most consistent Wallabies player last year, provided some insight into how De Lutiis performed in camp.“For the few days we had in Wallaby camp he went pretty hard, trucked it up and hit pretty hard and probably got in a few little scuffles there,” McReight said.
“Mass is a big personality, he doesn’t take a backwards step. In today’s age, you have people who want to bring you down or want to shape someone in a certain way, but I think being yourself is the ultimate way to play your best and train your best. “When you’re yourself and your teammates respect you and let you be and prepare how you want to, you just flourish, so I think he’s going to be an important part to our success this year.”
TANEILA TUPOU MASSIMO DE LUTIIS W ALLABIES RUGBY AUSTRALIA SUPER RUGBY
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