Isaac Kailea is relishing the chance to face childhood mate and Scottish skipper Sione Tuipulotu in the second fixture of the Wallabies November Nations Championship campaign on Monday (AEDT) in Edinburgh.
Tuipulotu, an Australian born inside back hailing from Melbourne, will be lacing up the boots as captain of Scotland against the nation that raised him.
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As tight as “cousins,” Wallabies prop Kailea and Tuipulotu grew up together as part of a tight knit community in Melbourne’s South East.
“Our Dad’s met in Melbourne, they are both of Tongan heritage.” Kailea said, as he reflected on growing up in a close group with several families of the same background.
“There were a lot of rough games in the backyard and he was also the leader out of us kids. The leadership he showed back then is something I can see him doing now with Scotland. Even the way he talks, it's still the same.
The match up between the two is not just family business; Kailea looking to “get a win over him” after the Wallabies went down 27-13 in their last match up in November 2024, where Kailea played against Tuipulotu for the first time on the international stage.
Reflecting on the first battle between the two, Kailea said “It was pretty cool, I was still soaking up that I was on a Spring Tour. He was throwing a bit of chat, but nothing too crazy. I don't think he'd get too disrespectful.”
Tuipulotu will likely face up once again against Wallabies utility back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii with Wallabies centre, Len Ikitau saying there is “no love lost” between the two.
The last time the powerhouses met, Suaalii laid out a massive hit on Tuipulotu which left the Wallaby clutching at his arm, fearing a broken wrist. Tuipulotu added to the hit saying that he “had never been hit that clean in his career.”
Ikitau believes that Suaalii is up for the challenge and is well prepared for the challenge of the illusive Scottish backline.
“Joseph is a warrior, he does all the preparation in the world, in terms of prep he is always ready to play. He's excited for this match up this week.” Ikitau added.
After a 45-22 loss to England at Twickenham last Monday, Ikitau admitted that “As disappointed as we are, we look forward to going again this week. Against England, our energy levels did not apply enough pressure and playing against Scotland that's where they come alive”
The Scottish backline, headlined by Tuipulotu and flyhalf Finn Russell, had suffered a loss of their own against the All Blacks last Sunday, going down 43-21 in their own backyard at Murrayfield.
Ikitau, having watched the game, said that Scotland will be wanting to “get the ball to the edge.”
“We know that they love to get the ball to Sione early. Obviously they're disappointed from their loss against the All Blacks. We're disappointed as well so I think it's more of who wants to win, who wants it more and we're excited,” he added.
