ACT Brumbies prop Ben Alexander has revealed he still has ambitions to force his way back into Wallabies gold, but says a Test recall takes a back seat to his Super Rugby ambitions.
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Alexander is poised to become the most-capped player in Brumbies history after signing a one-year contract extension to provide stability and leadership for the 2017 campaign.
His immediate goal is making sure the Brumbies advance to the finals and win their last-round fixture against the Western Force at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.
A bonus-point win against the Force will guarantee the Brumbies' place in the play-offs, but any other result could leave them open to a challenge from the NSW Waratahs.
Alexander has played 129 games for the Brumbies and is closing in on the 142-game record set by Australian rugby great George Smith.
He will be the most senior player on the Brumbies' roster next year after the departure of co-captain Stephen Moore (Queensland Reds), Matt Toomua (Leicester), Joseph Tomane (Montpellier) and David Pocock (sabbatical).
But Alexander believes the Brumbies have a set-up for sustained success even when they lose some of their biggest names.
"As a senior bloke you've always got to make sure you're setting an example at training and off the field as well," Alexander said.
"There are blokes moving on and guys have to be ready to take their opportunity when it comes. We have to make sure guys are ready for those opportunities, and I'm sure they are.
"There's a good system at the Brumbies. Loyalty is a big thing and I'm very proud to have been at the club for nine years and that played a big part for me."
Moore will become the most capped player in Australian Super Rugby history when he takes his place against the Force.
Moore is returning to Queensland next season and the departing Brumbies want to make sure they leave on a high with a fourth consecutive finals appearance.
Alexander, 31, has not put an end date on his career after signing a one-year extension.
He says loyalty and being close to family were major factors in his decision to stay at the Brumbies after the birth of twin daughters, Emma and Ivy.
Provided he avoids injury, Alexander will almost certainly pass Smith's record after making his debut as an unknown in 2008. And Alexander hasn't given up on returning to the Wallabies to add to his 72 Tests.
Alexander hasn't played for Australia since the Wallabies' end of year tour to Europe in 2014.
"Wallabies is always on the radar, you want to get back in the national side and I harbour big ambitions to get back there.
"But I just have to worry about playing well ... you can't worry about it, if it happens it does. You've got to focus on what you can control."
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham will name his team to play the Force on Thursday night.
David Pocock was set to meet with his surgeon this week to determine if he could return to contact training while Scott Fardy is expected to be fit despite suffering a shoulder injury last weekend.
Back-rower Jordan Smiler is also close to making a return from a knee injury but he is unlikely to be ready to play the Force.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 17
Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Western Force at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
BRUMBIES FINALS SCENARIOS
- If the Waratahs lose to the Blues by more than seven points, the Brumbies will advance to the play-offs regardless of their result against the Force.
- If the Waratahs lose to the Blues by fewer than seven points, the Brumbies will need to either beat the Force or lose by fewer than seven points as well.
- If the Waratahs beat the Blues, the Brumbies need to beat the Force.
- If the Waratahs secure a bonus-point triumph, the Brumbies need to do the same against the Force.
