'I was definitely sad': Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa uses family as motivation on Spring Tour

Alaalatoa has returned to the Wallabies squad for a tour of Japan and the UK after missing the end of the Rugby Championship to be with his wife Filo for the birth of their first child.

But the 27-year-old tighthead prop says the decision to get on the flight ahead of Saturday's tour opener against Japan in Oita "was one of the hardest" he's had to make.

While he can sympathise with Wallabies flyer Marika Koroibete's decision to withdraw from the tour for family reasons, Alaalatoa wants to use it as motivation to force his way back into the starting XV as he and Taniela Tupou jostle for the No. 3 jersey.

"It was definitely an incredible journey. I'm extremely proud of my wife and the pain she had to endure to bring our baby girl Niah into this world," Alaalatoa said.

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"I'm also grateful for [Rugby Australia] and the Wallabies for allowing me to go back home and spend that time with family. Jumping on a plane on Wednesday, it was one of the hardest for myself.

"Being with our newborn daughter for two weeks definitely was really special. I was definitely sad to know I'll probably be away for five to six weeks at the back end of this year.

"But that definitely flicks into a sense of motivation, and making sure I'm making the most of this opportunity while I'm away from my family and just doing everything I can to be my best self."

Whether Wallabies mentor Dave Rennie should start devastating Queensland Reds giant Tupou, often dubbed "Tongan Thor", or Alaalatoa has often been the subject of debate.

The national team coach has often favoured Alaalatoa for the starting role on account of his consistency, scrummaging and attention to detail, yet Tupou is one of the most devastating players in world rugby.

Tupou was immense during the Wallabies' Rugby Championship campaign, playing a starring role when he wore the No. 3 jersey following Alaalatoa's departure from camp.

Now the ACT Brumbies captain is determined to earn the right to play again as the Wallabies look to build on a run of four consecutive victories.

"For me personally, it's coming in and getting that respect and earning the right to play again," Alaalatoa said.

"Sitting back at home and watching the boys play, and watching Nela play, he was probably playing some of his best footy. Then you have guys like Tom Robertson coming off the bench and performing as well.

"If anything, it's definitely great for the Wallabies to have that competition. For me, from a personal note, coming back into the squad I've got to make sure I earn the right to play and wear the jersey again."

WALLABIES' SPRING TOUR FIXTURE

Saturday, October 23: Japan v Wallabies at Oita Stadium, 3.45pm

Monday, November 8: Scotland v Wallabies at Murrayfield, 1.15am

Sunday, November 14: England v Wallabies at Twickenham, 4.30am

Sunday, November 21: Wales v Wallabies at Millennium Stadium, 4.30am

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