Rugby: Tongan Thor top of the agenda for former ABs coach

Taniela Tupou has already proven himself to be a devastating ball-runner in rugby. Photo / Getty

Former All Black skills guru Mick Byrne reckons he can turn future Wallaby Taniela Tupou - the Tongan Thor - into a top class player.

Tupou could become one of his pet projects as he looks to turn the Wallabies into a side as skilfull as the All Blacks.

The 20-year-old Queensland Reds prop - who has already worked with Byrne after joining the Wallabies' European tour as a development player - had a fearsome reputation as a ballrunner before he had even signed a professional contract.

But Byrne thinks he can help take Tupou to the next level.

"What he brings as a tighthead...parts of his game, it's difficult to coach into players," he said.

"He's got some natural skills there but along with that, you're getting the chance to harness some core skill roles through his lineout, scrummaging and also his tackling and running lines, just to sharpen up a little bit of technical work around those.

"He is a talent, and let's hope that he can continue to grow into the role he's showing the potential for."

-AAP