Whilst 50 caps is a big milestone in any player's career, Allan Allalatoa has a more 'nervous' challenge on the horizon: welcoming his new child into the world.
Alaalatoa will bring up his 50th cap on Sunday against the world champion Springboks on the Gold Coast before heading home to Canberra for the birth.
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"I’m pretty nervous,” he admitted.
“It’s awesome. Praying that the journey goes well for my wife and I and our future bub.
“The wife is doing a solid at home holding down the fort. I haven’t been home in a couple of months so I’m looking forward to having that opportunity and that balance in my life.
“Being that best self, it also applies to what I do off the field and the man that I am there. Praying the rest of the way goes well.
“(I will) head home with a whole different challenge on Monday, probably not for me though I’ve got the easy job,” he said with a laugh.
“It’s just being a soundboard for my wife and the hard time that she will go through.
“Looking forward to being there for here having been away for the last couple of months to be there to support her.”
Before that, Alaalatoa's focus remains on the Springboks, with the clash extra special as he brings up the half-century.
He admits the honour is something he will cherish as he gets set to prepare a new chapter in his life.
“It’s huge. Being born and raised in Australia, it was always a dream to play for the Wallabies,” Alaalatoa said.
“Growing up in Sydney and being a part of the junior clubs, you always watch the Wallabies and the Bledisloe Tests or over in the Spring Tour. It’s always been the dream to be a part of this team and squad.
“To represent this country 50 times has been a dream. I think for me I want to take that opportunity this week and play my best and that’s the case for every game.
“I’m just grateful to be able to achieve this milestone.”
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Wallaby 896 will be joined at the mark by Wallaby 897: Reece Hodge, with their pair making their debuts a week apart.
Along with this, captain Michael Hooper will equal the captaincy record of Wallabies great George Gregan along with going into the top five for most appearances ahead of George Smith
Whilst they don't need extra motivation after a tough All Blacks series, Hodge was gunning to honour their milestones with a victory.
“Hopefully I can get out on the park and make it 50,” he said on Wednesday
“Doing it alongside Al, I think he’s Wallaby 896 and I’m Wallaby 897 so it kind of ended up alright and potentially 50 caps in the same Test.
“It’s obviously a pretty proud moment to rack up the half-century if I get on. I think I said early on in my career that I wanted to be someone who played 50+ gamesfor their country and have that come to fruition is a proud moment.
“It’s going to be a proud moment for myself and my family but we’ve got a job to do on Sunday. A win is number one in mine and Allan’s eyes come Sunday.”
