The Brumbies have asked Allen to stay with the Super Rugby squad for the immediate future to give them depth at training in Pocock's absence.

The chance to play against the Melbourne Rebels at Seiffert Oval on Saturday night is more than an injury opportunity.

Allen's journey to the Brumbies started when his parents Leanne and Matthew would make the eight-hour trip from Leeton to Canberra and back twice a week so their son could train in development squads.

It's fitting they'll be making the same trip again this weekend, but the 700 kilometre journey will be a bit easier to swallow knowing Allen is taking the tentative first steps to Super Rugby.

"I played from under-12s to under-16s with the Brumbies, we'd travel up twice a week. My parents were unreal doing that," Allen said.

"Four hours to get here and four hours to get home ... it was tough. But they did an awesome job. It will be unreal to have them here for the first game.

"I'm really nervous, this is my first opportunity to pull on my Brumbies jersey for the top level. I'm really excited about it as well.

"I was called in to train in the pre-Christmas block, but [coach] Dan McKellar called and asked me to come back for the next block. It's week by week now and they've kept me on. I've already learnt a lot."

The Brumbies will rotate a squad of 30 players through their clash against the Rebels, with the game to be split into three 30 minute periods.

It will give Brumbies coach McKellar a chance to see who can step up in Pocock's absence, with Tom Cusack, Lolo Fakaosilea and Lachie McCaffrey to get their opportunities in the No. 7 jersey.

Allen, 20, is there as openside flanker back up and has been juggling Brumbies training and working at a pub before he resumes his university studies.

"Angus will keep training with us for the next few weeks, it's great exposure for him," McKellar said.

"He's a player we feel down the track could play Super Rugby, so at the moment it's about improving him physically and his knowledge and then look at possibilities down the track."

The Brumbies have rested several key Wallabies, but will start to blend their full squad together for the Brisbane 10s and a trial against the Waikato Chiefs on February 14.

"Playing games is what excites everyone," said prop Ben Alexander.

"As a group we just need to start building confidence. Trials are always important, you wouldn't play them if they weren't.

"This is a chance for guys to put their foot down and own their jersey."

SUPER RUGBY TRIAL

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan, 6pm. Tickets available at the gate, children under 16 years old are free.

Brumbies squad: Robbie Abel, Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Alexander, Angus Allen, Richie Arnold, Rory Arnold, Tom Banks, Sam Carter, Tom Cusack, Blake Enever, James Dargaville, Lolo Fakaosilea, Kyle Godwin, Mack Hansen, Wharenui Hawera, Len Ikitau, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, Harry Lloyd, Ryan Lonergan, Matt Lucas, Lachlan McCaffrey, Connel McInerney, Andy Muirhead, Isi Naisarani, Joe Powell, Faalelei Sione, Andrew Smith, Henry Speight, Darcy Swain, Lausii Taliauli, Rob Valetini, James Verity-Amm.

Rebels team: 1. Tetera Faulkner, 2. Jordan Uelese, 3. Sam Talakai, 4. Matt Philip, 5. Sam Jeffries, 6. Angus Cottrell, 7. Colby Fainga'a, 8. Richard Hardwick, 9. Michael Ruru, 10. Jack Maddocks, 11. Kitione Ratu, 12. David Horwitz, 13. Tom English, 14. Dane Haylett-Petty, 15. Tayler Adams. Reserves: Jock Armstrong, Duncan Chubb, Jack Debreczeni, Harrison Goddard, Esei Ha'angana, Trevor Hosea, Henry Hutchison, Latu Latunipulu, Amanaki Mafi, Sama Malolo, Hunter Paisami, Dom Shipperley, Alex Toolis, Andrew Tuala, Sione Tuipulotu, Ikapote Tupai, Mahe Vailanu.