Having missed the Six Nations due to injury, Sione Tuipulotu is rediscovering his top form, showcasing the power and influence that initially made him a favorite for the Lions Test 12 jersey. 'I'm starting to get my feet back underneath me,' Tuipulotu remarked after playing the full 80 minutes in the Lions' convincing 54-7 victory over Western Force on Saturday.

Tuipulotu, who hasn't played Test rugby since the autumn, believes he still has significant room for growth and aims to peak during the crucial games of this tour. 'I know I can start playing my best rugby in the bigger games at the end of this tour,' he said.

The competition for the Test midfield partnership is fierce, and Tuipulotu was particularly impressed by his teammate Garry Ringrose. 'Jeez, mate, he's a missile out there,' Tuipulotu said, praising the Irishman's physicality. The last time they faced each other internationally was during the 2023 World Cup in Paris, where Ireland dominated Scotland. 'He backed himself to make those [defensive] reads,' Tuipulotu added, highlighting Ringrose's impact on the game.

Tuipulotu also spoke highly of fly-half Finn Russell, who has been instrumental in the Lions' recent performances. 'Finn coming into the line-up helped a lot. I've played a lot of rugby with Finn so that combination doesn't really need to be worked on,' he said. Russell's instinctive play and ability to adapt to the team's structure have made him a key player. 'He's a world-class number 10. He's been here, done that,' Tuipulotu noted.

In a lighter moment, head coach Andy Farrell revealed that the squad has created their own song, which they debuted in Perth. 'We got the first crack of it in the changing room. I'd like to perfect it before I share it to the world,' Tuipulotu joked, adding that they were offbeat and needed more practice.

As the Lions prepare to face the Reds in Brisbane, Tuipulotu remains optimistic about the team's prospects. 'Andy [Farrell] has brought the group together so well. To play under a coach like him, I can see why Ireland has been so successful in the past,' he said.