Eddie Jones’ hopes of snapping the Wallabies’ six-decade drought in Pretoria have taken yet another blow, with tight-head prop – and one of the leading contenders to captain Australia – Allan Alaalatoa long odds to play against the Springboks on July 9.
Alaalatoa, 29, was forced off with a calf injury early in the second half during the Brumbies’ 31-21 loss to the Chiefs on Saturday night.
Scans on Tuesday are likely to confirm a tear, which will see him spend between six-eight weeks on the sideline pitting him in a race against time to line up against the world champions in what is Jones’ first Test back in charge of the Wallabies since November 26, 2005.
The injury setback, which will also see him miss the Brumbies’ finals charge, will stretch the Wallabies’ front-row stocks as they try to end their 0-7 record in Pretoria against the Springboks.
Allan Alaalatoa is racing the clock to be fit for the Wallabies’ first Test of the year against the Springboks. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
While loose-head Angus Bell and tight-head Taniela Tupou have just started running again, both are unlikely to be fit until late in the Rugby Championship. Nor is recently re-signed Force prop Tom Robertson, whose ACL injury earlier this month has ended his World Cup hopes.
It means Jones will be without three of his four best props for their clash against the Springboks, who possess arguably the world’s best pack, including their formidable front-row trio Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx and Frans Malherbe.
Ex-Wallabies coach Dave Rennie at times turned to James Slipper switching to the tight-head side, but given Bell’s injury, as well as Scott Sio’s move to Exeter, it’s unlikely the incumbent Wallabies skipper will be asked to move so early in a World Cup year.
It means Jones will be looking closely at Rebels duo Sam Talakai and Pone Fa’amausili, who both made their debuts under Rennie. Waratahs prop Harry Johnson-Holmes is another he will strongly consider.
One-Test Wallaby Sam Talakai shapes as someone firmly in Eddie Jones’ Rugby Championship plans following Allan Alaalatoa’s injury setback. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Talakai closed the Wallabies’ win out against Wales superbly, coming off the bench to make his debut in the final stages to help Rennie’s men secure an important victory and finish the year on a high.
While he won’t scrum you off the park , the 31-year-old is the ultimate teammate, who drives standards and is a hard-working, reliable tight-head prop.
But it’s likely Jones will look closely at Fa’amausili to come off the bench and make an impact.
The 26-year-old’s physique has had Australian rugby licking its lips since making his debut for the Rebels in 2018.
But the hulking prop has battled injury, form and turning around the perception that he is lazy. It’s why he missed out on the Wallabies’ first – and last – session of the year under Rennie.
Jones will see it as a challenge to get the best out of the 196cm, 130kg prop, who remains unsigned next year. It could well help the Rebels’ hopes of retaining the prop.
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones will see getting the best out of Pone Fa’amausili (L) as a challenge. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
If he can, it will provide the Wallabies with some more depth and power in a position that can win – and lose – you World Cup knockout matches.
The Force’s struggles at the set-piece have shown how costly it can be without an operating and functioning scrum.
It’s why Alaalatoa’s injury on the eve of the Wallabies’ international season is such a significant setback.
For Jones, who is wanting to turn a new page for the Wallabies and kick-start their World Cup campaign, it could force him to reconsider his plans given they will take on Michael Cheika’s Los Pumas less than a week after playing the ‘Boks in South Africa.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
We need Nick Berry or Gus !
Christy Doran
Editor
I'd take Sio in a heartbeat. Didn't see much of him for Exeter, but he had cracking '21, 22 campaigns.
Chronicle
Roar Rookie
Easy to understand why in SA eyes they don’t have gravitas and respect as in last 12 tests Australia has won 6 and drawn 2. South Africans like Mr Erasmus don’t appear to take defeat well.
Ulrich
Roar Rookie
The Boks also have short prop options. Ox Nche - 1.73m Trevor Nyakane - 1.78m
Dean
Roar Rookie
My apologies. I got my Worcester’s and Exeters mixed up. Worcester and Wasps style. I’ll edit my above comment. Thank you for correcting me.
Passit2me
Roar Rookie
We are going to need some very big, strong bodies in the 2nd row then.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
good news. I would get Ollie Hoskins back too. Maybe tempt Jermaine back from highlanders.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
There is that!
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Coleman still a fool. Red carded 3x last year
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Well Christy who ever your contact is about Sio tell them there dreaming..Slipper is not the answer to anything as far as scrums go.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
The RFU has extended the sale deadline for London Irish by a week from 30/05, however I believe players were told to look elsewhere. So if a request for release was requested I reckon it would be granted. I would have had him on the first plane on Monday, probably along with Adam Coleman!
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Slipper AAA aren't WC ...
Wizz
Roar Rookie
When? No way show me the game…
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Sam is okay...he will handle bike like he handled Slipper...
Wizz
Roar Rookie
We will always be formidable...this WC no different.
Pop
Roar Rookie
I hope we win against the All Blacks in Melbourne and I hope we can win in Dunedin. Hope against Hope. We live in HOPE.
Player24
Roar Rookie
Had enough of aussie refs please.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
Van Nek and Schoup have been eaten alive by other Australian props this year. They wouldn't need a return airfare if they played in South Africa.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
He did very well against the Rebels, Brumbies and Reds.
SDRedsFan
Roar Rookie
Scotty Sio was in Canberra last weekend for the Brumbies v Chiefs game - interviewed on STAN with Scott Fardy.