Wallabies prop Angus Bell is delighted to have good mate Taniela Tupou back in the squad as they travel to Argentina for the next instalment of the Rugby Championship.
The squad arrived in Buenos Aires overnight ahead of their opening Test of the two-match series on September 1.
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The return of powerhouse Tupou is a major asset to their chances of taking down the World Cup semi-finalist after missing the Springbok leg following the death of his father.
Bell and Tupou shared the recovery journey in 2023 and the prop believes Tupou is back in the right headspace to deliver.
“‘Nela’s doing a lot better since being back from Tonga,” Bell said to reporters.
“It’s a tough thing to lose your dad, but I feel like ‘Nela’s in a better headspace to contribute with the team.
“We all support ‘Nela and everything he’s going through, but he’s well supported in our environment. We’re looking forward to having ‘Nela back.”
The pair will be Super Rugby team-mates in 2025 at the NSW Waratahs and will be joined by Isaac Kailea, with the loosehead signing on during the week.
It creates a front-row group stacked with international experience with former Wallabies captain Dave Porecki still to return to action.
Bell admits whilst he’s only known the fellow loosehead for a few weeks, the bond they’re creating suggests something special could be on the horizon for club and country.
“He’s a good mate now which is quite funny because I’ve only known him for a couple weeks,” he adds.
“Isaac’s a great footballer, loads and loads of talent so really excited to have him at the ‘Tahs because depth is one of the biggest things.
“I might be out of the team next year which is interesting (laughs). It’s exciting times and I’m happy because Isaac and ‘Nela are both good players and humans.”
Tupou's return is coupled with second-row duo Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams after their concussions in the opening round of the Rugby Championship.
