‘I’m proud’: $1.2m man Tupou stars to help Rebels claim second win overseas since 2019, Uelese’s best match

Taniela Tupou became the most expensive player in Australian rugby when he signed a $1.2 million deal to join the Rebels ahead of the 2024 season.

On Friday evening, the giant tight-head prop took the first step in repaying their faith as he helped drive the Rebels to only their second win overseas since 2019, as the embattled Super Rugby franchise overcame Moana Pasifika 29-23 in Hamilton.

The Rebels had let slip a 19-10 lead to trail by a point at the 60-minute mark, but tries to Lachie Anderson and Glen Vaihu saw Kevin Foote’s side seal a 29-23 win.

The victory was built off the back of the Rebels’ work up front.

Maligned Test hooker Jordan Uelese had his best performance in years, as he scrummed straight and his lineout throw hit the mark.

Then, after Sam Talakai put in a strong 45-minute shift, Tupou came off the bench to help demolish Moana Pasifika’s scrum.

Three moments in the final 20 minutes ensured the Rebels went back-to-back.

The first came when lock Allan Craig was shown a yellow card as the Rebels mauled to the line in the 64th minute. Two minutes later, Anderson burrowed his way to the line.

Then, after the Rebels defended 15 phases in their half, a terrible offload from Danny Toala to his replacement prop Sateki Latu allowed the visitors a scrum inside their 22 metre line.

Moana Pasifika never stood a chance.

Tupou blew away Latu to give the Rebels a penalty and moments later the visitors had another one from the lineout maul.

Moments later, as flanker Jacob Norris was shown a yellow card for a high shot, Vaihu scored to ensure the Rebels would return from across the ditch with their second straight bonus point victory.

Tupou said he was “proud” of the team.

“Obviously, Moana Pasifika are big boys and the set-piece was one our main work-ons this week,” he said.

“Again, credit to the forwards. It wasn’t just myself, but everyone in the forwards contributed at the scrum and in the lineout. It was a team effort.

Asked how the team morale was as the Rebels prepare for a legal fight with Rugby Australia, Tupou said winning helped.

“It’s always good when you’re coming off back-to-back wins,” he said. “With our history, we haven’t really had back-to-back wins. With what’s going on at the Rebels, it’s good for us and good for the club and hopefully we can keep it going.”