Rugby World Cup fears for Wallabies star Taniela Tupou after suspected Achilles tendon injury
Taniela Tupou could be racing the clock to be fit for next year's Rugby World Cup as Wallabies coach Dave Rennie fears his star prop has suffered a serious Achilles injury.
In the 54th minute of the loss to Ireland, Tupou received a pass off the back of a ruck but slumped to the grass and clutched the back of his knee, writhing in agony.
Tupou was swiftly carted off the field.
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Taniela Tupou of Australia is taken from the pitch to receive medial attention. Getty
His injury continued a horrific injury toll for Australia this season.
"We'll assess the walking wounded," Rennie told Stan Sport.
"We've got a fair few. Obviously, Hunter (Paisami) in the last couple of minutes, it looks like a (knee) medial (ligament). (Andrew) Kellaway with a foot injury.
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Taniela Tupou leaves the game with an injury at Aviva Stadium in Australia's Spring Tour Test against Ireland. PA Images via Getty Images
"(Rob) Valetini with a foot injury. Dave Porecki with another concussion. Taniela with what looks like an Achilles.
"They're all pretty serious, so we'll see how we wash up."
Other season-ending injuries this year have included centre Samu Kerevi, who suffered an ACL tear, and playmaker Quade Cooper, who ruptured his Achilles tendon.
Hunter Paisami of Australia. Getty
"In the last 15 years, I cannot remember a Wallabies season as littered with injuries as this. They cannot take a trick," Stan Sport commentator Sean Maloney said.
"It's not good," added Wallabies legend Tim Horan.
Earlier this year, Tupou suffered a calf injury that ruled him out of the Super Rugby Pacific season and he later returned for the series against England.
Dave Porecki of Australia receives medical attention. Getty
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