Influential Wallaby could make long-awaited return against Springboks

The powerhouse's World Cup hopes were in doubt when he ruptured his Achilles against Ireland last November in the Autumn Nations Series.

Tupou has since been working hard on his rehabilitation and his injury timelines look positive for him to return in time for the global showpiece. It is good news for new head coach Eddie Jones, who looks to be hoping to field a physical Wallabies pack.

Scrum coach Neal Hatley credited the front row for his application and commitment during his rehabilitation.

"People who have known him said this is the hardest he's ever worked, so they couldn't be more pleased with him at the moment," Hatley told AAP.

"Probably the most pleasing thing for me is he's a bloke coming to grab us. His weight's dropped, he's into the head of S and C [strength and conditioning]. He's into me every day saying 'a little bit more, please'.

"His application, his attitude has been outstanding. Taniela needs to keep pushing to get to where we need him to get to, but he's right on track."

Hatley understands that Tupou can offer a great deal for the Wallabies given his monstrous size coupled with his explosive running ability.

"On his day, he's as good as anybody in the world. Not just carrying the ball but actually what he does at set-piece. He's a mountain of a man," said Hatley.

"He can make a big difference. He's a big man. He's explosive. Those are the ones that can cause you problems."

The scrum expert underlined that the target for Tupou's return is the battle at Loftus Versfeld whilst also providing a positive update on Allan Alaalatoa.

"That's what we're talking to him about," Hatley said.

"So we'll see. Every day is just an opportunity for him to get closer and closer.

"Taniela's got work to do, but I think we're in a good position with the other blokes.

"Al's, if the Brumbies had made [Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific] Final, I'm pretty sure I would have been involved. So he's, he's an unbelievably diligent person.

"He's, he's been working his backside off, so we get the videos of him. He's been scrummaging, he's been running, accelerating, decelerating.

"I've coached probably a lot more against someone like 'A', and I think he is outstanding on his day.

"He's, you know, he's up there to be one of the best tightheads in the world."