Crusaders prop Michael Alaalatoa has headed south for the upcoming Mitre 10 Cup season after spending three years with Manawatu.
With so much talent rising through Australia's loose forward ranks, veteran star Michael Hooper may have a hard time finding his place under Dave Rennie's watch.
Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has queried why all three test match officials were talking about David Pocock before a ball was kicked in their 39-21 Rugby World Cup victory over Fiji in Sapporo.
With less than 24 hours until the Wallabies selectors unveil their 31-man World Cup Squad, resident Australian writer Nick Turnbull has given some consideration towards what the selection panel may actually come up with.
Michael Cheika has given his immediate reaction to the heavy loss suffered by the Wallabies at the hands of New Zealand in the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland.
The Wallabies have kept their winning Bledisloe Cup line-up apart from one injury-forced change with lock Adam Coleman replacing Rory Arnold for their Test in Auckland on Saturday.
Allan Alaalatoa was in the side to face Ireland at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane Saturday, however, he succumbed to an ankle knock.
Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has named an impressively experienced rugby side, naming Manu Samoa international and Crusaders front rowers, Michael Alaalatoa as captain.