Tuipulotu braced for Wallaby backlash as Scotland seek redemption after New Zealand rout

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu is anticipating a fierce Australian response when the two sides meet in the Nations Championship on Sunday, with both teams desperate to bounce back from embarrassing losses the previous weekend.

Scotland were beaten 43-21 at home by New Zealand, while the Wallabies suffered a 45-22 defeat against England at Twickenham — Australia’s fourth consecutive loss. Tuipulotu said Gregor Townsend’s squad had “confronted” their shortcomings during the week, but cautioned that the Wallabies would arrive in no mood to capitulate.

“We know that Australia will also be a wounded team coming here after what happened against England at Twickenham,” the Glasgow centre said. “I even think about the Lions after the first Test — Australia bounced back into the second and third Tests with real vigour. I am certainly not expecting them to come here and just lay down.”

The fixture carries an added personal dimension for the 29-year-old, who could face childhood friend and prop Isaac Kailea if the Australian comes off the bench. Kailea revealed this week that he considers Tuipulotu a cousin, the pair having grown up together in Melbourne’s suburbs, playing backyard rugby that, by Tuipulotu’s account, bore little resemblance to the organised game.

“The games could be pretty violent at times and often they would completely veer off away from rugby,” Tuipulotu said. “Sometimes it wouldn’t even be about rugby. There were times when there wasn’t even a ball.”

Tuipulotu, who qualifies for Scotland through his Greenock-born grandmother, has previous against the Wallabies — he captained Scotland to victory over Australia two years ago and scored in the British and Irish Lions’ win over his native country last year. He acknowledged those experiences leave a lasting mark.

“If I’m honest, I think I will always have that little bit of fire bubbling away whenever I play against the Wallabies,” he said. “But there’s a bigger picture than just looking at me and my history with Australia. Our minds are firmly set on bouncing back after last week. That performance wasn’t good enough. We know that and we want to put that right.”

Tuipulotu, who has shaken off a knee knock sustained last weekend, said the squad had responded well in training despite the difficult week. “I’ve been very proud of the boys in terms of how they have rallied,” he added. “I’d like to think our performance will be much improved — but I’m expecting the same from Australia too.”