As Angus Bell brimmed with excitement about the prospect of Taniela Tupou’s return, the Wallabies could be without James Slipper – the nation’s most experienced prop – for next weekend’s clash against Los Pumas in Argentina.
The Wallabies departed from Sydney International Airport on Friday but Slipper, 35, stayed behind in Australia awaiting the birth of his second child.
It’s understood the 138-Test prop will leave Australian shores on Sunday.
But given the arduous journey across the Pacific Ocean and Slipper’s heavy workload over the past two years, it’s possible Joe Schmidt could keep the older statesman for the second leg of their two-Test tour of Argentina.
Should that occur, it could allow Slipper to equal George Gregan’s national record of 139 Tests in Argentina and open the possibility of him breaking it on home soil against the All Blacks in their Bledisloe opener next month.
James Slipper could miss the Wallabies’ first Test in Argentina as he awaits the birth of his second child. Photo: Julius Dimataga
Either way, Schmidt has room to manoeuvre.
The return of Bell and progression of Isaac Kailea means Schmidt has two viable options, while the return of Tom Robertson gives the New Zealander an option on either side of the scrum should someone fall over.
Nor is the Argentine scrum expected to pose the same issues the Springboks provided, with the South American set-piece nowhere near as strong as it once was.
But after losing their past two encounters against the Los Pumas and watching Felipe Contepomi’s new-look side shock the All Blacks in their Rugby Championship opener earlier this month, the Wallabies certainly won’t be underestimating their South American opponents as they look to snap an eight-match losing streak in the tournament.
“They’re a super flashy team and obviously great at the set-piece, so that marries together really well,” Bell told reporters on Friday morning.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge and building behind Joe as well.”
Argentina shocked the All Blacks 38-30 at Sky Stadium on August 10, 2024 in their TRC opener. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
After three successive wins to start the years, the Wallabies lost back-to-back home fixtures against the Springboks for the first time in half-a-century.
Part of the reason for their struggles was a lack of impetus at the scrum and around the field, with the Wallabies only scoring one try against the back-to-back world champions.
The return of Tupou, who missed both fixtures following the death of his father, is likely to help the Wallabies in both areas, with the 145-kilogram a wrecking-ball.
“Nella’s doing a lot better since being back from Tonga,” Bell said of his new Super Rugby teammate at the Waratahs.
“Look, it’s a tough thing to lose your dad, but I feel like Nella’s in a better headspace to contribute with the team.
“We all support Nella and everything he’s going through, but he’s well supported in our environment. We’re looking forward to having Nella back.”
After a horror World Cup campaign, the Wallabies have come under renewed fire for struggling to fire a shot against the Springboks.
Former All Blacks outside back Mils Muliaina said Australian rugby was in “dire straits” following the successful massive defeats on home soil.
But Bell said the Wallabies were developing under Schmdit.
“We’re definitely building on habits,” he said.
“They’re the big ones. Habits are breaking over the past few weeks.
“We know we’re getting step-by-step better and there’s been a few instances where we haven’t been, but we think we’re trending in the right direction. We’ll keep trying as a team to get better and better every week.”
Taniela Tupou is in line to return for the Wallabies after missing the Tests against the Springboks. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Bell’s return has given the Wallabies some more impetus up front, but the 23-year-old admits he feared earlier in the year that he would have to change positions after a third foot injury in as many years.
“I wanted to make it work,” he said.
“I’m a prop, I’ve been a prop for years now. I really enjoy the position and what I love to do.
“It was, I guess, on the cards, if I couldn’t get my foot right then something had to change.
“Obviously, I don’t want to stop playing rugby, because that’s my passion and what I love doing, but I’m over the moon that it’s in the past and something I can move on now.”