Wallaby’s not making up numbers
HAVING made the gut-wrenching decision to leave behind his two-week-old daughter to tour with the Wallabies, Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa isn’t going to Japan and the UK to make up the numbers.
Alaalatoa missed the final three Tests of the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship campaign to return to Canberra for the birth of his child.
In Alaalatoa’s absence, Queensland Reds powerhouse Taniela Tupou made a strong case to be a permanent starter in Australia’s front row, rather than just being used off the bench in the second half.
“I was sitting back at home and watching ‘Nella’ probably play some of his best footy,” Alaalatoa said in Japan.
“It’s great for the Wallabies to have that competition and for me coming back into the squad. I’ve got to make sure that I earn the right to play and to wear the jersey again.”
If Alaalatoa needed any extra motivation to reclaim his spot in Australia’s pack, it has been provided by his new daughter Niah.
He said getting on the plane last Wednesday for the Wallabies’ spring tour was among the hardest things he had done.
“Being with our newborn daughter for two weeks was really special,” Alaalatoa said.