Tuipulotu sees perfect timing as Lions land in Melbourne

Sione Tuipulotu needs to improve his performance this week. By his own acknowledgment, he has not met expectations. He has been taken aback by how far behind he has been, but he is sure he can step up ahead of the second Test between the British & Irish Lions and Australia.

Tuipulotu is referring to his role as a local guide for the Lions, having grown up in Australia, as Andy Farrell’s squad arrives in his hometown of Melbourne aiming to secure the series. "I haven’t exactly been great at it," he admits. "It’s unexpected—I don’t know as much about Australia as I should, even after living here so long. I do know Melbourne well, so I’ll show the boys around to some good places."

On the field, however, Tuipulotu feels "everything is falling into place." Like Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne, the Scotland center was among those who took time to find form before rising to the occasion in Saturday’s first Test win in Brisbane. The 28-year-old made strong runs, gained crucial ground, and repeatedly used his agile footwork. He also became the first Scotland international in 28 years to score a Lions Test try, finishing off a superb pass from Finn Russell during the visitors’ dominant first-half performance.

Tuipulotu was at his competitive best, thriving in his battle with Joseph Suaalii—"He’s a fighter, and so am I"—and proving Andy Farrell right for selecting an entirely Scottish 10-12-13 lineup. The Lions’ second-half dip in Brisbane showed that the Wallabies won’t surrender easily in Melbourne, but Tuipulotu is aware of the chance to secure the Lions’ first series win in 12 years on home soil.

"It’s a bit surreal that we could close out the series where I grew up," he says. "I know the focus will now be on how we can improve from the last game. We missed a lot of chances in the first half—we should have put the game away earlier. In the first 30-40 minutes, we had the opportunity to seal it. Now, heading back to Melbourne, hopefully playing in front of my family—everything has lined up perfectly, and I’m grateful."

Tuipulotu moved from Australia to Scotland four years ago and hasn’t returned often. In Melbourne, his family will be in the stands, including his grandmother Jacqueline, who grew up near Glasgow and traveled to Murrayfield in November to see Scotland beat the Wallabies. "If you’d asked me when I first left Melbourne, I’d have said it was personal," Tuipulotu reflects. "That drive has always been there—it’s what got me this far. But do I have any hard feelings toward Australian rugby? Not at all, mate."

"I just wasn’t good enough to play for the Wallabies back then. It wasn’t about selection—I simply wasn’t at that level. Scottish rugby has given me everything—it’s made me the player I am."