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Kerevi: Tongan Thor has got just one job
By Online Editors
He's capable of "ridiculous" on-field feats, but it's the simple things that Taniela Tupou must nail in a crucial month of Super Rugby for the Queensland Reds.
Brad Thorn's men are 4-5 and just six points - or one-and-a-half wins - behind Australian conference leaders Melbourne ahead of hosting Tokyo's Sunwolves (2-8) on Friday.
Games against Melbourne and the Waratahs follow in what shapes as defining period for Brad Thorn's regenerating side.
Much like the team as a whole, Wallabies prop Tupou has enjoyed a season of fluctuating form and glimpses of brilliance as he eyes a World Cup berth later this year.
Captain Samu Kerevi has seen the man known as 'Tongan Thor' at his complicated best but says, like the rest of his side, it will be the simple tasks that need doing well against the Sunwolves at Suncorp Stadium.
"Where do I start with Nella," he said.
"He's an amazing player, ridiculously talented player ... if you guys could see some o f the things he does for how big he is and how fast he moves.
"He has a big aura about him on the field ... if he just simplifies it (the team will benefit)."
Tupou will have a chance to make an early statement, particularly in the scrum, when he starts against a Sunwolves team that was humiliated 52-0 by the Highlanders last week.
But that same Sunwolves team has beaten the Waratahs and Chiefs this year, while they put 63 points on the Reds last season.
Injuries to Jordan Petaia, Filipo Daugunu and Jack Hardy have given Jock Campbell his first Super Rugby start on the wing.
Fijian-born flyer Semisi Masirewa is the trump card on the wing for the visitors, having crossed seven times for the Sunwolves this season.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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