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'It would be huge' - Brumbies stars lifting each other to greatness
By Online Editors
Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa says the career-best form of his teammates is driving the club towards a drought-breaking Super Rugby title.
Alaalatoa is one of at least five Brumbies in superb touch heading into their semi-final clash against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Friday night.
The Canberra men should make up the bulk of the Wallabies World Cup squad this year, with Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani and Joe Powell all deserving of a test recall.
The Brumbies have won a single-season club record seven straight games and are one victory from their first final since 2013, which they could potentially host.
Wallabies front-rower Alaalatoa said the individual brilliance of his teammates was infectious and behind the Brumbies' historic 2019 campaign.
"It’s been a great season and what really helps me is seeing my brothers next to me doing a great job, seeing guys like Rory [Arnold] and [Tom] Banks light up the field lifts my game," Alaalatoa told AAP.
"You definitely get that vibe of feeding off each other and when you see one of the boys doing something special it automatically lifts you.
"When you’re playing next to those boys it’s an awesome feeling and you just want to join in on what they’re doing and add to the huge impact they’re having."
The Brumbies started their season 2-5 but have since won nine of the past 10 games.
Their most recent loss came against the Jaguares but Alaalatoa believes they've since evolved into one of the most versatile sides in Super Rugby.
The 30-test tighthead backed two more wins to secure the club's first title since 2004.
"It wasn’t the way we wanted to start the season but we’ve found our feet. We have a strong bond off the field which you can now really see on the field," Alaalatoa said.
"Sides definitely know our set piece is strong but we we have variations up our sleeve too. The backs are in some form as well so overall we’re very happy.
"It would be huge [to make the final]. That’s why we all play the game, to be in the big games. Even being in the play-offs now is something we’ve been moving towards all season."
The Brumbies have scored more first-half tries (42) than any team this season and Alaalatoa said another fast start was paramount to shutting down the Jaguares.
"It’s a semi-final, you’re only going to get minimal opportunities. In finals footy you have to have that ability to take that opportunity but also to create them," Alaalatoa
"We need to come out firing because the last time we were here we missed those opportunities, but our game has grown a lot since then.
"We have to take confidence out of seven straight wins but we have to keep moving forward. We can’t rely on those wins to pull us through the week."
AAP
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Latest Comments
I think it was a better rugby destination for him.
He was developed in Melbourne and had a relatively brief stint there. I think he was possibly dropped out of the squad for the return of someone like To'omua (also a Melbourne local) in 2019 ahead of the RWC. But then he wasn't picked up by another Australian team and went to play in Japan when he only really seemed to play a hat full of top level games (maybe injured for long periods??) before he went on to Scotland. But it was only in Scotland that he started to get a lot of consistent game time and selection.
The thing is, no one talked about him being a missed opportunity in Australia before he left - a little like Mac Hansen. But he has been able to forge a top level career since leaving. Both men only had a handful (5 or 6?) games at Super Rugby level before they made a decision to leave (or had it made for them I suppose). Other countries have gone on to develop them and that is great for them and it is probably good for the global game as it means the best players are rising to the top - if not in their birth country than in another. I think there are a lot of issues with poor player development in Australia but I don't know if these two blokes are very good examples of it.
Go to commentsOk I understand. Give them my number please Nick.
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