Taniela Tupou has said his rivalry with Ellis Genge both 'is and isn't' personal ahead of Saturday's potential series-decider in Brisbane.
Australia clinched a 30-28 win in Perth last weekend to win the first of three matches against England this month. Tupou, 26, wasn't in the hosts' squad for their summer opener but will hope to have an impact in putting the series beyond England's reach at the first opportunity.
The Queensland Red realises neutralising Leicester loosehead Genge will be critical to that cause. In the most polite terms possible, Tupou told The Times of his desire to "give it" to his opposite number after being restored to the starting XV.
“It’s not personal, but it is personal," said Tupou—affectionately known as the 'Tongan Thor'—ahead of the second Test at Lang Park. "I will do what is best for the team but when you get out there you want to be better than your opposition.
“Ellis Genge is going to come out there and try to give it to me and smash me. I will do exactly the same thing. I want to give it to him. We will see what happens out there. I have heard a lot of talk about him. I saw him absolutely kill it in the English comp with his team and he has captained his side."
The Super Rugby star went on to list Genge's qualities in scrummaging, tackling and carrying the ball, having clearly conducted his research on the obstacle ahead. The England vice-captain scored the opening try of the game in Perth and came off near the hour mark, before Australia had scored any of the three tries that led them to victory.
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Tighthead prop Tupou is right to be wary of Genge after he captained the Tigers to their first Premiership title since 2013 last month. He'll rejoin hometown club Bristol Bears this summer, with George Ford another notable departure from Welford Road.
There was no silverware in sight for Tupou despite helping Queensland reach the quarter-finals of Super Rugby Pacific. However, the super-sized front-rower remains one of the sport's most coveted talents in his position.
His introduction is a seamless one as Tupou replaces the injured Allan Ala'alatoa, while Matt Philip replaces the suspended Darcy Swain following his headbutt on Jonny Hill. Genge's Leicester team-mate Guy Porter and Northampton 's Tommy Freeman will make their senior debuts, with Sam Underhill replacing Tom Curry in the back row due to concussion.
