‘We want to scrum’: Alaalatoa’s clear message after Wallabies scrum suggestions

Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa insists the squad is eager to turn their scrum into a weapon as they look to back up a powerful performance against Argentina.

Alaalatoa batted off speculation about a freak situation in Perth against the Springboks where both sides were forced to go to uncontested scrums after a series of HIAs and injury replacements.

Alaalatoa and Slipper went off and failed HIAs, whilst prop Angus Bell was replaced after a facial injury before Slipper's inclusion in the game.

According to South African media outlet Rapport, South African Rugby officials had reportedly sought clarity from World Rugby regarding the injuries; however, a spokesperson for Rugby Australia confirmed that no such request had been received from the governing body.

Alaalatoa rejected these suggestions after his departure at half-time following an errand elbow.

"Do they think I was trying to fake an HIA or something?" Alaalatoa responded.

"...That's the first I've heard of that but what I do know is that if someone comes off injured, and then we have (failed a) HIA like we did on the weekend for myself and Slips (James Slipper), then my understanding is that they can't return back to the field.

"I remember Joe (Schmidt) at the end of that game saying he's never been a part of that game where things like that have happened, and I don't think I have as well."

The discussion came at a strange time for the Wallabies after they demolished the Argentinian pack at scrum-time in Buenos Aires.

They drew three penalties against the Pumas pack, including one Alaalatoa drew after a dominant display of power.

The Wallabies scrum is operating at 95.7%, almost 10% higher than the Springboks and only behind the perfect All Blacks.

"We want to scrum, that's what we want to do, especially as front-rowers," Alaalatoa said.

"You want to take on that challenge and don't want to shy away from that.

"We're at a stage in our team where we want to keep growing and keep fronting up against the best, so you never want to shy away from that."