Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa is hoping to make his Super Rugby return against the Reds this weekend after missing their round five win over Waratahs.
Alaalatoa was running the water for the Brumbies in Canberra last weekend after a wrist injury kept him out of action.
The tighthead is hoping to be back for the ACT in Brisbane on Sunday when they take on the Reds but admitted he was no certainty to make a comeback.
“I'm on track. I'm just focusing on this week. I think it's more of a day by day thing, see how it pulls up closer to Sunday,” he said.
“I'm happy the boys went out there and put on a good performance.
“It's backed up with good prep today and we have to refocus now, on the Queensland Reds, who showed lot of spark, showed a lot of guts to come back and win against the Sunwolves in Japan.
“They have a lot to prove and they probably have the boys like Rodda and Taniela Tupou looking at coming back and playing this Sunday.
“They have big threats across the park but as long as we get our prep right this week, we should be in good stead.”
Alaalatoa’s front row partner Scott Sio is all but certain to play against the Reds despite coming off early against the Waratahs with a shoulder concern.
“Just copped a stinger and had a bit of trouble with my right shoulder last year so it was a bit precautionary,” he said.
“I guess it highlighted the importance of signing Slips (James Slipper), the luxury we have to have another world-class loosehead on the bench to trust in.
“We made a call on the field and I just thought the team would be better to have Slips come on instead of me holding my shoulder around and potentially making it worse.
"We’ve got a great S&C staff here, medical department and we’ll make sure we get it right for the weekend."
Young backrower Rob Valetini is set to miss the clash after injuring his knee against the Waratahs while David Pocock is in the frame to come back from a calf injury.
The Brumbies take on the Reds on Sunday March 24 at Suncorp Stadium, kicking off at 3:05pm local, 4:05pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
