Wallabies star prop Allan Alaalatoa’s road to the Rugby World Cup has come to an end after suffering a ruptured Achilles in last week’s 38-7 loss to the All Blacks in Melbourne.
Alaalatoa was taken from the field on a medical bearing the best wishes of teammates who realised the Brumbies skipper’s World Cup dream had been shattered by the injury suffered against the All Blacks.
Coach Eddie Jones says it is a fairly serious injury confirming it was likely an Achilles tendon injury.
That fear was confirmed yesterday with the Wallabies confirming Alaalatoa would have surgery on a “ruptured Achilles”.
The timeline for such an injury is usually around nine months to recovery.
To add to the Wallabies’ nightmare, Taniela Tupou succumbed to a rib injury on the same night but there was some good news though as the Tongan Thor will travel with the team to New Zealand to continue training with the squad which is a sign that even if he misses out this weekend his World Cup campaign is still on course.
Jones also had an alarming update on Michael Hooper’s calf injury saying the co-captain would not be able to lay in this week’s return Bledisloe match in Dunedin and his World Cup is in some doubt.
Jones says Hooper has got a serious calf injury and the recovery period is unsure for the veteran flanker.
The Wallabies will take on the All Blacks at 2.35pm Saturday.
[Source: theroar]
