As Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa prepares to bring up 100 Super Rugby caps, his coach Dan McKellar has given an incredible insight into the 27-year-old's remarkable achievement and influence over the club.
Alaalatoa will become just the 15th player in club history to reach triple-figures when he leads the Brumbies out on Saturday evening against the Blues at Eden Park.
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Joining the club in 2014 as a 20-year-old formally plying his trade with Southern Districts, the tight-head prop has quietly established himself as one the premier props in the world.
McKellar has been by his side for the entirety of his journey at the club, linking up as the defensive and skills coach on Alaalatoa's arrival.
For McKellar, the Wallaby represents what the Brumbies strive to be and a key reason for their ongoing success.
“It’s a special milestone for the skipper and he’s come a long way,” McKellar said on Thursday. “I remember his first game back in 2014 as a young tighthead with enormous potential whose not only grown into a really good international but a great leader within our group and organisation.
“He epitomises what the Brumbies are all about; hard working, resilient, very welcoming and always looking to empower others.
“It’s a special moment for Al and his family. As always, Al won’t be worried about the milestone, he’ll be focused on doing his job so we get the right result.”
Whilst his influence is evident to see on the field, particularly at scrum time, McKellar was quick to recognise what he means off the field.
Despite being the type of leader to lead by action, Alaalatoa's compassion and care was something that stood out for McKellar as he continues the legacy set by the likes of Gregan, Lealiifano and Carter.
“An enormous amount of care, he really cares and loves the Brumbies,” he added.
“He takes a lot of responsibility on board in terms of the environment that we create here. It’s not just about the Rugby program, we always talk about it being a place where you drive through the gates and love coming to work.
“Al feels a real responsibility to continue the legacy that Christian Lealiifano, Sam Carter and those guys have had in the past when Al was a young player coming through the ranks.
“It’s his professionalism now as well. We always talk to the young players about making sure they have a regular schedule and routine to follow so there’s not a huge gap between their best and worst and Allan certainly leads by example there and you can see that from how he plays every week.”
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In true Alaalatoa fashion, he was quick to play down the achievement as he heaped praise on the influence of his family and Laurie Fisher, the now assistant coach who signed him to the Brumbies back in 2014.
“It’s a great honour to represent this club for one game let alone a hundred,” he said on Friday.
“It’s come around really fast but there are so many people in my life that have helped me achieve this milestone.
“As I said to the boys today, it’s never been about me, it’s always been about the team. That’s the way that I’ve always wanted to play, always want to put my best foot forward when I put the jersey on for the boys.”
