“All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.”

There was more than a hint of actor Rutger Hauer’s famous death soliloquy from the 1982 Blade Runner as soulful Wallabies big man Taniela Tupou sang along to the national anthem at Accor Stadium on Saturday night, his salty tears mixing with the downpour from the heavens above as Daniel Belle’s operatic voice delivered chills to the spine.

Of course, unlike Hauer’s replicant, Roy Batty, it was never going to be the end, end for Tupou, who is about to head to Paris to monster fine croissants and big bloody steaks the same way he tore into Andrew Porter and the Lions’ pack.

But it felt like it could be the finish of his national team journey, having earlier this year rawly discussed his lack of form in an interview.

Taniela Tupou of the Wallabies looks on after The Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies at Eden Park on August 14, 2021 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

As dialogue went, Tupou’s bleak “So I picture in my head, getting a call saying I’m not in the team, and I’m just accepting the fact that I’m not getting picked” felt like a giving up of the ghost.

His omission from the opening three Tests of 2025 did nothing to convince him that he would ever get to a 58th game in the Wallaby gold.

But a shift of plan from Joe Schmidt and an injury to Allan Alaalatoa saw Tupou return. In reality, the redemption narrative was probably a game too late for the Wallabies, but not for Tupou.

“It’s always an honour to be named in the Wallabies and represent Australia,” he said.

Taniela Tupou of the Wallabies looks on during game two of the series between Australia Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

“I was quite emotional when I sang the anthem. As you get older, these opportunities mean a lot more to you.

“When you get older, you’ll be like, ‘Oh man, one of these games could be your last’. I was just soaking it in. The environment, the crowd, and everything.”

It didn’t help his confidence that Rugby Australia opted against lashing big money on him amidst a concerning form slump, and he opted against a move to Perth to sign for Racing 92 in Paris.

He was left out of the opening Test of the year against Fiji, but clutched onto his international career with an eye-catching effort for the First Nations and Pasifika team against the Lions, benefitting from Wallaby legend Toutai Kefu’s laissez-faire messaging – the antithesis of Schmidt’s control.

“I was quite nervous when I went out first, but there was no pressure at all,” recalled Tupou.

“The coaches told us we’ve got the licence to do whatever we wanted to do. Just get out there and have fun. Everybody knows how to play footy. 

“That was the mindset I went out in that game with. Whatever’s in front of me, I’ve got to do it. Just play what’s in front. I quite enjoyed that game.

“I’m glad I’m part of this one. It’s a win against the Lions. There’s a lot of Wallabies legends who don’t get a chance to play against the Lions.”

In game one, the Wallabies were criticised for mingling with the tourists after the game. While that seemed like carping, there is no doubt the hosts have toughened up and found more mongrel since that dire opener.

Tupou brought combativeness to Accor Stadium, strutting alongside fellow pests Will Skelton and Nic White, savouring the messy work. Raging against the dyling of the light.

“It’s not just the game. Lately, when you get your bags, your gear, when you make the team you know, I’m thinking ‘man, this could be the last.’” Tupou said.

“It means more to me. It was awesome, singing the anthem. In my head, I’m like, ‘treat this like it’s your last game. I’m not saying it’s my last game but I’m just… I would love to play, keep playing for Australia so we’ll see what happens.”

What happens should be straightforward. In a sensible world, the Wallabies would pick their best players whenever they’re allowed to. But Australian rugby is so often the opposite of a sensible world.

“I’ll always make myself available for the Wallabies whether I’m in France or wherever I am,” said Tupou. “If they need me I’ll 100% put my hands up so hopefully this isn’t the last time – hopefully there’s more to come.”