Allan Alaalatoa: Wallabies pack looking to bounce back against the Springboks

Dylan Coetzee

Wallabies Allan Alaalatoa during the Australian Wallabies Captain’s Run training session at the SCG in Sydney, Friday, July 15, 2022. The Wallabies take on England in their third and final match at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **

Allan Alaalatoa says Australia’s forward pack is looking to bounce back against the Springboks after a poor performance against Argentina in San Juan.

The Wallabies slumped to a record 48-17 loss against Argentina in round two of the Rugby Championship, where Los Pumas dominated their pack amongst other aspects of the game.

Coach Dave Rennie’s side have now turned their attention to two Tests against the Springboks in Australia. The pressure is on the home side, who are dealing with an injury crisis.

Poor forwards performance

Alaalatoa admitted the forwards were disappointed with their performance, and difficult conversations were had after the clash.

“The boys have been pretty gutted after that last game,” he said at a media briefing.

“There were some tough conversations in review and it’s all for us to get better this weekend.

“We had a sour taste in our mouth.”

The prop knows that the set-piece is a core aspect of the Springboks’ game plan, and the Wallabies must be prepared to deal with the big South African forwards.

“South Africa is a team that pride themselves on their set piece [play],” Alaalatoa said.

“All the games that I’ve been part of [against South Africa], we always mention it in the forward pack that we need to take it to them.

“It [Bok set piece] is a threat, because they have a world-class pack. They pride themselves on that and it is something they’ll try and go to a lot on Saturday.”

Kellaway ready to go

Wallaby Andrew Kellaway admits he was looking forward to playing full-back against England but suffered a hamstring injury that prevented him from playing. However, the outside back is raring to go in whatever position he is selected.

“Yeah it [the timing of the injury] was a tough pill to swallow; I was looking forward to playing fullback and it doesn’t come by often in this team with the depth we have there now,” Kellaway said.

“It [rehabilitation] was a slow process, at least it felt like that for me, but I ripped into it and here we are hopefully – touch wood – no complications.

“I’m ready to go and if I get the call-up, how good.

“I’m pumped. Adelaide Oval, what a place. Would love to be on the hill having a beer. [It’s] one of the great cricket venues.”

READ MORE: Wallabies: Quade Cooper offers James O’Connor advice after squad omission