JOHANNESBURG: Rookie prop Allan Alaalatoa will draw on inspiration from his hero, dad Vili, to ensure he's ready to stabilise the wobbly ACT Brumbies scrum.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Alaalatoa has been called into the Brumbies' starting side to add power to the front-row ahead of a set-piece duel with the Johannesburg Lions.
The former Australian under-20s representative grew up watching video replays of his dad's giant-killing run with the Samoan team at the 1991 World Cup. Vili Alaalatoa was also a prop.
"Dad would always show us the video tapes, he always brings up the 1991 World Cup. Nothing will ever beat that experience," Alaalatoa said.
"He's played in all the big stadiums and had the highs. It certainly drives me, playing at a World Cup is every footy player's dream.
"That's a huge goal for myself in the future. Dad is my role model, he calls me every night to see how I'm going so he's a huge influence, he always helps me out.
"He always tells me just to be aggressive, that's his advice. You need that mind-set for the scrum."
The Brumbies have made just two changes to their starting team for the clash against the Lions at Ellis Park.
Alaalatoa comes in to replace Jean-Pierre Smith in the front row while Matt Toomua has made the dash to South Africa to start at inside centre after overcoming an ankle injury.
It is the biggest test of Alaalatoa's career after joining the Brumbies last season on an extended player squad contract.
The Brumbies' scrum was terrible against the Cape Town Stormers last weekend. The Brumbies gave away eight penalties at scrums, allowing the Stormers to boot their way to victory.
The set-piece focus meant the ball was in play for just 31 of the 80 minutes of game time, starving the Brumbies' backs of possession.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity … I'm grateful for the start and I just want to get comfortable with the boys," Alaalatoa, 21, said.
"I do feel ready, I've been itching for an opportunity and it's finally come this weekend. It's going to be really tough but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Alaalatoa has played seven games from the bench, but advice from his dad and teammate Scott Sio has helped his transition into the professional ranks.
Sio and Alaalatoa grew up together in Sydney and their dads, Vili and David, played together for Samoa.
Their mothers are cousins and Alaalatoa's brother is also a prop while Sio's brother is a back-rower playing for Stade Francais.
"We'd always get together and play footy, I haven't spoken to Scotty about playing this weekend yet," Alaalatoa said. "I've spoken to dad, he's pretty happy and wishes he could be here for it.
"When we got together as two families the food bill was pretty high, the mothers always stress whether there's enough."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 14
Sunday: Johannesburg Lions v ACT Brumbies at Ellis Park, 1.05am Australian time. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2
Brumbies team: 15. Jesse Mogg, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Matt Toomua, 11. Joseph Tomane, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Nic White, 8. Ita Vaea, 7. David Pocock, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Rory Arnold, 4. Sam Carter, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Allan Alaalatoa. Reserves: Josh Mann-Rea, Jean-Pierre Smith, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Jarrad Butler, Blake Enever, Michael Dowsett, Robbie Coleman, James Dargaville, Nigel Ah Wong (two to be omitted).
