Cheika this out: Aussies to unleash 'Tongan Thor' on Scots

Taniela Tupou will face Scotland. Photo / Getty Images

Australia's coach Michael Cheika will unleash "Tongan Thor" Taniela Tupou on Scotland, just a week after the powerhouse prop completed his three-year Wallabies qualification period.

The 130kg, 21-year-old Reds bookend was named on the bench by Cheika for the Murrayfield clash after jetting in to the United Kingdom from Australia last week.

Three years ago Tonga-born Tupou hit the headlines when videos emerged of him scoring long-range tries for Auckland's Sacred Heart College.

However, he opted to pursue a career in Australia and signed for the Reds rather than a New Zealand Super Rugby franchise.

Tupou admitted he broke down in tears after learning of his selection on Thursday and said wearing the Wallabies jersey was a dream come true.

"I'm lost for words, I actually don't know what to say," Tupou said.

"I was in tears actually. The first thing that came to my mind was my family.

"Growing up in Tonga as a young kid, all I wanted to do was to play for Australia one day and now I can do that this weekend.

"I just wish my family was here. I know my team will have my back, so can't wait."

New Zealand were keen to have Tupou in their national schoolboys team side.

However, the quietly-spoken wrecking ball said watching the Wallabies as child gave him a special affection for the gold jersey. I grew up in Tonga, always watching the Wallabies, watching guys like Squeak [Stephen Moore], Sekope Kepu and Taf [Polota-Nau].

"I was always wanting to play for Australia, even I went to New Zealand, I was lucky enough to get a scholarship ... but it didn't change me.

"It didn't change for me, wanting to play for Australia and I'm grateful and I can't wait to get out there and play on Saturday."

Australia
Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Reece Hodge, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Sean McMahon, Michael Hooper (capt), Ben McCalman, Blake Enever, Rob Simmons, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio.

Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tetera Faulkner, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Tui, Lopeti Timani, Nick Phipps, Karmichael Hunt, Henry Speight.

- AAP