Alaalatoa’s split allegiance
Prop ready to fire against Tasman
Michael Alaalatoa is keeping his international allegiance under tight wrap.
The Crusaders and Manawatu prop is brother to Wallabies prop Alan Alaalatoa, but has made a strong impact in New Zealand since arriving in 2014.
His consistent performances off the bench for the Crusaders this season has had some touting him as a future All Black - although the Australia and Samoa qualified prop will not be eligible for New Zealand until mid-way through next year.
The 136kg bookend said none of those nations have approached him yet and he was keeping his options open.
And when it comes to Saturday night’s second Bledisloe test in Dunedin, he said he would be supporting certain players rather the All Blacks or Wallabies.
‘‘I am supporting [Alan] first and foremost,’’ he said. ‘‘Obviously I have a few teammates in the All Blacks and I am supporting them as well so I will just be sitting in the middle I guess.’’
But his mind will not fully be on the test with him set to suit up for his 20th game for the Manawatu, the union that resurrected his career after being hardy used at the Waratahs, on Sunday
The 25-year-old, who will celebrate his 26th birthday on Monday, will start at tighthead prop against Tasman after being rested last week.
‘‘I am feeling pretty fresh now and pretty pumped to get out there with the Turbos boys,’’ he said.
But after watching the frontrow dominate Wellington last weekend, Alaalatoa admitted he was starting to be concerned he would not be able to force his way back into the starting side.
‘‘I was a bit worried I was not going to get a go this week,’’ he said. ‘‘But Cots (Turbos coach Jeremy Cotter) has put me back in so I am going to have to make sure that I do my job because these young guys are going to put a bit of pressure on me. That is what I want, it is what we all want - to be pushed to be our best. You never want to be comfortable.’’
Being tested is nothing new to Alaalatoa.
For the past two years he has had to deal with the likes of Owen Franks, Wyatt Crockett and Joe Moody at scrum trainings with the Crusaders, a team he will be back with next year.
‘‘I get a lot out of [Crusaders scrum training] because I am learning heaps every day. We have got good communication. The All Blacks are not afraid to tell me what I am doing wrong or right.’’
He said they highlighted the importance of being clinical, having attention to detail and a strong preparation for each match.
‘‘Coming back [to Manawatu], I’m trying to drive that here as much as I can. If I can do my job the best I can then hopefully it will rub off on the other guys.’’
He was excited to be lining up against some familiar faces in Tasman.
‘‘I am looking forward to butting heads with a few of them.’’