ACT Brumbies reinforcements insist the upcoming Super Rugby finals will add spice to what looms as a dead-rubber game against the Waikato Chiefs on Saturday.
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Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham will test squad depth this weekend for the last game of the regular season before a finals fixture in Canberra on July 21.
Versatile back Andrew Smith and scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli are in selection contention for starting spots as the Brumbies weigh up taking a cautious approach after being hit with injuries last week.
It's unlikely Christian Lealiifano will make his comeback to rugby against the Chiefs after injuring his hamstring last week.
The Brumbies will play either the Wellington Hurricanes or Chiefs in a quarter-final next week irrespective of whether they finish third or fourth on the overall ladder.
The Brumbies haven't beaten a New Zealand opponent since round one last year and Australian sides have lost 29 games in a row against Kiwi teams.
But veteran Smith says the new-look Brumbies are ready for whatever is thrown at them by the Chiefs, even if they play against them Waikato team two weeks in a row.
Their play-off hopes were dealt a major blow earlier this week when Aidan Toua (ankle) and Kyle Godwin (knee) were ruled out for the rest of the season.
Chris Alcock (thigh) and Rory Arnold (shoulder) won't play against the Chiefs, but are expected to be fit next week.
"The good thing about this squad is that a lot of guys can play in different positions," Smith said.
"I've trained at [inside centre], so has Nick Jooste and Jordan Jackson-Hope. We'll just wait to see which way the coaching staff goes there.
"Whenever you get the opportunity, whatever position it is, it's a chance to put your best foot forward leading into the finals."
The Brumbies will finalise their team on Thursday morning before flying to New Zealand. The Brumbies haven't won a game in New Zealand since round four in 2014.
"We're definitely going out there to win the game ... we want to build momentum and winning form is good form going into the finals," Smith said.
"Hopefully we can build on things with one eye on the finals and one eye on this game, it's definitely an important one for us."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 17
Saturday: Waikato Chiefs v ACT Brumbies at Hamtilon, New Zealand, 3.15pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 1.
