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“Captain Grumpy” Allan Alaalatoa will lead the Wallabies for the first time after being rushed straight back in for Australia’s spring tour clash with Italy in Florence.
Alaalatoa was forced out of last week’s 30-29 loss to France after being concussed in the Wallabies’ tour-opening 16-15 win over Scotland.
But in a measure of how highly Dave Rennie rates the Brumbies star, Alaalatoa will not only make an immediate return but also become Australia’s 85th Wallabies captain – and first new skipper since Dean Mumm in 2015.
“Dave [Rennie] gave me a heads-up on Monday,” Alaalatoa told the Sydney Morning Herald. “My initial thought was ‘wow’. It’s a huge honour to captain my country but most importantly to captain our squad.
“If I’m going to ask the boys to do something, I’ve got to do that through my actions.”
The 28-year-old’s appointment will certainly make his father Vili proud.
Cricket-loving Vili, who represented Samoa at the 1991 Rugby World Cup, named his son after former Australian Test captain Allan Border.
Hence Alaalatoa’s “Captain Grumpy” nickname at the Brumbies.
“I remember asking my dad about it,” Alaalatoa told the Herald. “He told me that when Allan Border was captain of the Australian cricket team, he inspired him when he was playing for Manly and in rugby.
“He was a huge fan of the Australian cricket team and loved Allan Border and the way he led the national team. That was why he named me after him. It’s a fitting story.
“I didn’t play cricket. The boys will tell you when we have a little social cricket game I’m no good.
“At some stage I’ll probably get to reflect on it down the track. It’s a huge privilege and I want to make sure that I do my job and do whatever I can to fulfil the role.”
The 61-Test veteran’s inclusion – and promotion – coupled with a spell for tour captain James Slipper likely means the Wallabies will start with two new props against the Azzurri.
Tom Robertson is tipped to get the nod as starting loosehead over Matt Gibbon after both were on the bench in Edinburgh, with Alaalatoa taking over from Taniela Tupou as run-on tighthead.
Coach Rennie is also certain to make changes to his backline after centre Lalakai Foketi was ruled out of the tour with a leg injury after completing one of the Wallabies’ tries of the year in Paris.
In addition to adjustments to his midfield, Foketi’s NSW teammate Jake Gordon is in line for his first start of the tour after Rennie pledged to rotate his three halfbacks.
The Wallabies have won all 18 previous Tests against Italy and enter Saturday’s match (starting at midnight AEDT) as heavy favourites to improve their European tour record to 2-1 before a showdown with top-ranked Ireland and finishing up against Wales.
© AAP
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