Wallabies dealt big World Cup blow as Allan Alaalatoa suffers injury

By SABC Sport
29th July 2023

Australia have been dealt a major setback ahead of the Rugby World Cup after tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa suffered a significant injury against New Zealand.

Alaalatoa left the field on a medical vehicle in the 37th minute with what has been reported to be a ruptured Achilles, which is yet to be confirmed.

To compound that news, his replacement Taniela Tupou, also departed in the second period with a suspected rib injury as Australia fell to a 38-7 defeat.

Commentators on Australian TV reported that Alaalatoa - who was captaining the side on the night - suffered a serious Achilles injury, and if that is the case, his Rugby World Cup hopes appear over.

The 29-year-old is a key cog in the Wallabies pack, and his absence for the tournament would be a significant blow to head coach Eddie Jones and his team.

What makes the setback even worse, though, was the sight of Tupou coming off on 54 minutes as he couldn't shake off what at first looked like a back injury.

However, it was later reported to have been a rib issue as the Wallabies were forced to reshuffle their front-row for the closing stages of the Bledisloe Cup clash.

Tupou had only just returned to action after a period out of the game with an Achilles problem of his own, with this a frustrating comeback at Test level.

The double injury blow at tighthead comes at a hugely concerning time, with the Rugby World Cup just over one month away from its kick-off on French soil.

Australia's form is also a worry ahead of the tournament, with Jones' tenure since returning to the hot-seat reading no wins from his opening three games.

In Melbourne on Saturday, they made a promising start and were 7-5 in front before going into the break 19-7 adrift after a Will Jordan try on 40 minutes.

Rob Valetini scored Australia's only try of the game, but Shannon Frizell, Codie Taylor, Caleb Clarke, Mark Telea and Rieko Ioane went over for New Zealand, adding to Jordan's aforementioned crossing. Richie Mo'unga kicked four conversions for his side.

The Wallabies will hope to bounce back in the second Bledisloe Cup clash, which takes place on Saturday, August 5, at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.