Wallabies Release Prop Tupou for Waratahs Match Against Lions

Australia prop Taniela Tupou has been released from the Wallabies squad to rejoin the New South Wales Waratahs for their upcoming match against the British & Irish Lions, meaning he will miss the Wallabies' warm-up test against Fiji. Despite being named in Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt's squad for the Fiji test, Tupou's inconsistent Super Rugby season and recent struggles have put his place in the Lions test series in doubt. Schmidt appears to favor other tighthead prop options such as Allan Alaalatoa, Tom Robertson, and Zane Nonggorr for the upcoming tests. Tupou, who has earned 58 caps for Australia and is set to join French club Racing 92, will use the Waratahs clash as an opportunity to regain form and make a case for selection in the Lions series. The Lions have shown strong pace and depth in their tour opener, increasing the pressure on Tupou to perform at his best. Meanwhile, other Wallabies players like Robertson have impressed recently, further complicating Tupou's path back into the national side.